Opinion ID: 3012416
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The inmate's [Department of Corrections]

Text: documented activities, behavior or involvement in an event/incident whether associated with a Security Threat Group or not, poses a threat to the safety of staff, other inmates, or the community; cause damages to, or destruction of property; cause the interruption of the safe, secure and orderly operation of the correctional facilities; 4. The inmate has been identified as a Security Threat Group Member and has been found guilty of a prohibited act which is an asterisk offence [sic] in accordance with N.J.A.C. 10A:4 Inmate Disciple whether or not this offense was related to a Security Threat Group's activities or not.3 _________________________________________________________________ include but are not limited to; Possession of Security Threat Group literature such as lessons, membership lists, manuals and artwork; Possession of Security Threat Group paraphernalia such as, beads, artwork, medallions and clothing articles; Observation by staff of known Security Threat Group hand-signs and/or signals; Participation in Security Threat Group related assaults, disturbances, meetings, gatherings, incidents and events; Sending or receiving Security Threat Group related correspondence; Recruiting of other inmates to join a Security Threat Group. App. at 126. 3. The term asterisk offense designates a grade of inmate infraction. It is defined as a prohibited act preceded by a number and an asterisk that is considered the most serious and results in the most severe sanction(s). N.J.A.C. 10A:1-2.2. 5 Id. at 130. If an inmate is identified as a core member, the inmate is transferred to the STGMU and placed in Pre-Hearing Security Threat Group Management Unit status. App. 131. At this point, the inmate is provided with written notice that he or she is being considered for placement in the STGMU and is given at least 48 hours' notice of the hearing before the STGMU Hearing Committee. Id. At the hearing, the inmate may appear in person or may present his or her case through a representative or through written submissions. Id. at 132. The STGMU Hearing Committee may validate the assignment of the inmate to the STGMU if the evidence supports a finding that the inmate is an STG member, has taken an active role in STG activities, and satisfies one of the four previously mentioned conditions. Id. at 133. If the STGMU Hearing Committee assigns the inmate to the STGMU, the inmate may appeal to the administrator of the prison. Id. The administrator's decision may then be challenged in state court. An inmate assigned to the STGMU remains in maximum custody until the inmate successfully completes a threephase behavior modification and education program. App. 135. This program is designed to give the inmate the insight and tools necessary to interact appropriately, without the perceived need of membership in a Security Threat Group. Id. The inmate is taught anger management, conflict resolution, and social interactive skills that feature alternatives to violence. Id . The Committee monitors the inmate's progress and determines whether the inmate should advance to the next phase and eventually return to the general prison population. Id. In order to complete the program and return to the general prison population, an inmate must sign a form renouncing affiliation with all STGs. See App. at 248, 302-04, 443.