The facility was never intended to exceed about 400 to deliver an effective program. Close to 60 percent of the inmates fall between the ages of 31 and 50. About 40 of the inmates are 65 or older. Bassano says that belief is mostly myth. The atmosphere at Avenel is different, he said, because the inmates are, but it's still prison.
Sex offenders tend to be older, less violent and more intelligent.
Inmates appear far more relaxed at Avenel. Gov. Christie Whitman, through her spokesman, said she supports Bassano's position. Next week, the Senate is scheduled to deal with the first piece of legislation recommended by Bassano's commission. It would require, as a condition of parole for sex offenders, that they get treatment for life. Heck said she doesn't expect both houses of the Legislature and the Governor to act soon enough to get her measure on the ballot for this November.