State Auditor: Work-release inmates not entitled to minimum wage

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey's state auditor is calling on the state to stop paying minimum wage for work done by sex offenders who are ordered to remain in custody at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center after they have completed their prison terms.

A report presented to lawmakers this week says that as of July, there were 463 of the civilly committed offenders.

The report says that the state could save nearly $2 million each year by paying them less than minimum wage like other inmates.

The auditor also says the state needs to do a better job of monitoring sick time by guards at the center. Most use all or nearly all of their allotted 15 sick days per year and often do not provide required doctors' notes on their absences.

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