Corrections body‑armor purchase, compactors and staffing gaps draw union scrutiny at Essex County meeting

Union representatives and county corrections officials spotlighted safety equipment and staffing at the March 6 meeting as the board considered two Corrections contracts: Armor Scribe body armor vests (state contract) not to exceed $429,628.55 and up to three self‑contained compactors (not to exceed $104,994).

James Troisi, vice president of FOP Local 106, told commissioners the vests are “most definitely needed,” and said many officers were fitted in 2018 but that by 2024 “well over half the department” had ill‑fitted or out‑of‑warranty vests. Troisi also questioned why the county executive’s budget did not anticipate a more than $400,000 expenditure for replacements.

Department of Corrections representatives, including Lieutenant Orlando Camacho, said the county is replacing vests that have exceeded a five‑year factory warranty and has a multi‑year replacement schedule covering roughly 253 vests over the next five years (two in 2024, 83 in 2025, 84 in 2026, 28 in 2027 and 56 in 2028). Camacho said the JDC had outfitted its staff and that payments for some replacements were being processed.

Troisi also raised broader operational concerns: he noted the county correctional facility had been without a warden for 11 months, cited multiple inmate deaths and alleged civil‑rights issues and contraband incidents during that period. He urged formation of oversight and follow‑up through the board’s Labor Oversight Committee.

Despite questioning, commissioners approved the Corrections contracts by roll call. Board members sought assurances about notification and fitting processes; Camacho described outreach methods (facility postings, internal messaging and vendor fittings) and said officers who have out‑of‑warranty vests must be fitted and issued replacements.

The board recorded the contracts as part of its consent items; the administration said it would provide updates on vest replacement progress and related personnel matters.