How to Send Money to an Inmate in a Prison or Jail
Table of Contents
What is New Jersey Inmate Search?
A New Jersey inmate search is the process of looking up an inmate's incarceration records in the state. The information disclosed in a typical inmate search includes the inmate's mugshot, place of arrest, gender, security risk, and age.
To obtain information about an inmate, interested persons may use the offender search portal maintained by the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC). This portal provides an avenue for families to locate and stay connected with their incarcerated loved ones and allows legal representatives to access information about their clients.
Are Inmate Search Records Open to the Public in New Jersey?
Yes. Per the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), inmate search records are open to the public in New Jersey. However, certain sensitive information, such as the inmate's Social Security number, home address, and age, may be restricted from public access.
Also, information about protected groups, such as juveniles and inmates under protective orders, is regarded as confidential and not publicly accessible.
How To Perform New Jersey Inmate Lookup
Anyone may perform a New Jersey inmate lookup using the NJDOC offender search portal. The portal allows searches using key identifiers such as the inmate's full name, birthdate, State Identification Number (SID), race, and gender. However, for a more precise search, additional details such as the inmate's sentencing history, NJDOC number, and offense information may be included.
Once an inmate is identified, the portal provides further details about the inmate, including mugshots, facility location, incarceration status, and potential release or transfer information.
How To Search for an Inmate in New Jersey
To search for an inmate in New Jersey, follow these steps:
- Open the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) offender search portal
- Enter the inmate's identifying details. Note that searches on the portal are limited to 250 results, and if your search returns more than 250 results, you will be prompted to modify your search criteria
- Scheme through the list of matching results and refine the list until the inmate of interest is located
The NJDOC's contact form can also be used to search for an inmate in New Jersey. To use this method, the inquirer must fill out the form and provide details such as the inmate's name, date of birth, gender, and race. Including additional information in the form, such as the offense committed and the county of incarceration, may help expedite the search.
Furthermore, a New Jersey inmate search may be conducted by phone by contacting the New Jersey Department of Corrections at (609) 826-5662. During the call, inquirers may be required to provide relevant identifying details, including the inmate's NJDOC number, to facilitate the search.
How To Conduct a Free Inmate Search in New Jersey
Reliable third-party websites like RecordsFinder offer a seamless way of performing a New Jersey inmate search free of charge. These platforms allow users to access inmate details by entering search parameters such as the inmate's full name, identification number, age, and race. While basic inmate searches are typically free, more in-depth inquiries may come with a small fee.
How To Find a Federal Inmate in New Jersey
To perform a federal inmate search in New Jersey, you may use the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmate locator. This tool allows you to search by either the inmate's full name or their BOP identification number. However, for a more precise search, you can enter additional details such as the inmate's gender, race, age, and citizenship status. The search can also be refined by specifying the facility where the inmate is incarcerated and if known, their release date.
Below is a list of federal prisons in New Jersey:
- Fairton FCI
- Fort Dix FCI
What Can You Find with State of New Jersey Inmate Search
The following information may be found when you conduct a New Jersey Inmate Search:
- Full name
- Aliases
- Booking number
- Age
- Biometric data
- Race
- Date of incarceration
- Custody status
- Offense details
- Booking photographs
- Parole eligibility date
- Arresting agency
- Release date
- Current detention facility
Jail and Inmate Search in New Jersey
In 2022, over 12,500 people were incarcerated in New Jersey state prisons, including 7,900 individuals in county jails across the state and 510 youths in detention centers. Compared to the national incarceration rate of 541 per 100,000 residents, New Jersey had a lower rate of 270 per 100,000 people.
In 2024, 60% of individuals in New Jersey prisons were Black, 17% were Hispanic or Latino, 22% were White, and 1% were Asian. Additionally, over 15,000 people were on parole in the state, while more than 120,000 were on probation.
Criminal Justice Quick Facts
New Jersey Imprisonment Rate * (per 100,000 population)
270
Prison Population (All facilities/State & Federal Jails)
24,010
Probation Population
120,000
Parole Population
15,000
Racial Disparity in Incarceration Rate
Black: White Ratio: 4:8:1
Hispanic: White Ratio: 1:3:1
Juvenile Custody Rate
74
Disenfranchised Population
14,087
Disenfranchised African Americans
8,554
Corrections Expenditures (state/local)
$1,555,138
* The incarceration rate of New Jersey takes into account data from the state's correctional facilities, including prisons, jails, and detention facilities.
New Jersey Parole Population
As of 2022, New Jersey had 15,350 people on parole. By the end of 2022, the number had risen to 15,610.
Paroles per 100,000 Population (2022)
Nationwide
267
New Jersey
215
Parole Total Population in New Jersey (2022)
Nationwide
698,820
New Jersey
15,610
Parole Entries and Exits (2022)
Entries
3,140
Exits
3,140
Change in 2022, in Percentage and Number
Percent
1.7
Number
270
Number on Parole per 100,000 U.S. Adult Residents
Decreased by
267
New Jersey Prisons
New Jersey has nine state prisons, 22 county jails, and two federal prisons. These correctional facilities house incarcerated individuals across various security levels.
The following is a list of all State prisons in New Jersey:
- Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center
- South Woods State Prison
- Northern State Prison
- Bayside State Prison
- Mid-State Correctional Facility
- New Jersey State Prison
- East Jersey State Prison
- Garden State Youth Correctional Facility
- Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women
The NJDOC operates on an annual budget of $1.22 billion, and the state spends about $66,000 per year on each incarcerated person. For every 100,000 people, there are 221.3 reported violent crimes, 1,521.6 property crimes, and an incarceration rate of 270 per 100,000 residents.
| Prison Name | Prison Type |
|---|---|
| Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center | State Prison |
| Bayside State Prison | State Prison |
| Central Reception and Assignment Facility | State Prison |
| East Jersey State Prison | State Prison |
| Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women | State Prison |
| Fairton FCI | Federal Prison |
| Fort Dix FCI | Federal Prison |
| Mid-State Correctional Facility | State Prison |
| New Jersey State Prison | State Prison |
| Northern State Prison | State Prison |
| South Woods State Prison | State Prison |
| Southern State Correctional Facility | State Prison |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is an Inmate Not Showing Up in Search?
There are several reasons why a New Jersey inmate search may not yield results for a particular inmate. One common cause is a delay in adding an inmate to a correctional facility's inmate database.
Another reason is if the inmate is housed in a facility outside New Jersey's jurisdiction or in a federal facility. If an individual is incarcerated in another state or a facility not managed by New Jersey, state-run inmate lookup systems may not provide accurate information. In such instances, you may consider conducting another search using the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator tool to determine if the inmate is in a federal prison.
Incorrect inmate identification numbers or misspelled names during an inmate search may also not yield a successful result. However, if all details are correctly entered and still no results are found, you may contact the New Jersey Department of Corrections directly for further assistance in locating the inmate.
How Can I Check If Someone Is in Jail in New Jersey?
- Visit detention facilities in person. You will need to provide key details about the inmate, such as their full name, sex, and birthdate
- Use the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Inmate Locator. This is useful in locating inmates incarcerated in federal prisons within the state
- Check the county of incarceration. Many counties in New Jersey offer inmate lookup tools or websites that provide information on individuals held in county detention centers.
How Can I Conduct a New Jersey Prison Inmate Search?
You may conduct a New Jersey prison inmate search using the New Jersey Department of Corrections offender search portal. Alternatively, you can contact the department by email or phone to inquire about an inmate. Reliable third-party websites like RecordsFinder also offer excellent online search features for conducting New Jersey inmate searches.
