Cape May County Corrections Center

You can support your loved ones at Cape May Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 609-465-1233.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Cape May Co Jail is a detention center located at 125 Crest Haven Rd Cape May, NJ which is operated locally by the Cape May County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Cape May County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Cape May Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for New Jersey here.

The primary mission of the Cape May County Correctional Division is to manage a secure, efficient, and effective correctional facility for the inmates in custody, the staff working within the center, and the citizens of Cape May County. The facility's philosophy emphasizes the health, safety, welfare, and security of all individuals under its care, while also offering comprehensive opportunities for rehabilitation and self-improvement. Inmates have access to various educational, vocational, religious, and substance abuse programs, including the Sheriff's Labor Assistance Program (SLAP), the Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP), the GED Program, Religious Services, Bible study, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Anger Management, and Relapse Services.

To achieve these objectives, the Correctional Division is staffed by approximately 105 personnel, comprising sworn officers and civilians. The workforce is structured into several departments, including Senior Officers, Administration, Inmate Services, Operations, Medical, Food Service, Maintenance, and four squads of Correctional Officers. These professionals work together to ensure the smooth and secure operation of the facility.

In January 2019, a new, state-of-the-art Correctional Center was opened, featuring modern technology and design, capable of housing over 300 inmates. Located on 18 acres near Exit 11 of the Garden State Parkway, in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, the new facility occupies the same grounds as the former jail, which has since been demolished.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Educational and vocational programs are available to inmates to enhance their skills and knowledge, preparing them for productive lives post-incarceration. These programs offer classes in Adult Basic Education (ABE), Pre-General Equivalency Diploma (Pre-GED), and the General Equivalency Diploma (GED). The facility has seen notable success in helping inmates achieve their GED through the New Jersey Department of Corrections. Vocational training, such as culinary skills and other trades, is provided, along with life skills courses focusing on parenting, job readiness, and employment preparation. Inmates may also receive job placement assistance to aid in securing employment upon release.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates receive all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

The facility’s Work Release program allows eligible inmates to leave the facility for work or study in the community, under strict supervision and guidelines as outlined in New Jersey law. Inmates participating in Work Release must have their employment or study schedules pre-approved and verified, and the employer must comply with state standards. The facility ensures compliance through Verification Patrol Officers who check work or study sites regularly. Should an inmate's employment not meet these requirements, they will instead participate in public service work assignments until suitable employment is obtained.

The Correctional Division also administers alternative programs to incarceration, such as the Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP) and the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP). SLAP participants provide labor at the County Park and other county facilities. Additionally, a work release program is available for eligible inmates, allowing them to work outside the facility as authorized by the courts. These programs aim to benefit both the inmates and the community by offering structured opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.