NJ A2247

Expands the Corrections Ombudsperson's authority to review completed criminal investigations conducted by the Department of Corrections or Special Investigations Division to determine if they were accurate, unbiased, and thorough

Removes current prohibitions preventing the ombudsperson from inspecting Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) investigations, records deemed confidential by the Special Investigations Division, and Special Investigations evidence rooms

Requires the ombudsperson to examine the investigation's methodology, adherence to best practices, evidence in the investigatory file, and any other relevant information when reviewing criminal investigations

Mandates that the ombudsperson provide inmates who submit complaints with status updates on the review and an estimated completion timeframe

Takes effect on the first day of the seventh month following enactment