Report: Deal Reached in Passaic County Jail Suit

A settlement has been reached in a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of Passaic County Jail inmates who complained about "deplorable conditions" at the facility.

But The Record newspaper says the deal must still receive a federal judge's approval before it formally takes effect.

The American Civil Liberties Union and other human rights advocates initially brought the suit in 2008 on behalf of eight inmates. It argued that the aging, deteriorating structure in Paterson was dangerous, unsanitary and overcrowded, and that endangered inmates, workers and visitors.

The settlement does not involve money, but rather calls for numerous upgrades including new fire detection, alarm and ventilation systems. It also calls for more medical and mental health staff at the jail and various incentives to avoid overcrowding.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)