Essex County NJ Correctional Facility

You can support your loved ones at Essex Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 973-274-7500.

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 Essex Co Jail is a detention center located at 354 Doremus Ave Newark, NJ which is operated locally by the Essex 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. Essex County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Newark 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.

Inmates within the Essex County Department of Corrections are afforded the opportunity to correspond freely, with an unlimited allowance for sending and receiving letters. Embodying a commitment to a fully integrated correctional system, the department upholds an unmatched standard of professionalism and correctional excellence, ensuring the operation of a safe, secure, and humane correctional facility.

Central to its mission is the goal of confining individuals with the necessary level of custody to safeguard the public while providing essential care, discipline, training, and treatment geared towards their successful reintegration into the community. Over time, the department has evolved into a multifaceted organization, comprised of numerous divisions and sub-divisions, each specializing in distinct areas of law enforcement.

The Essex County Department of Corrections has achieved notable success, boasting a 100% compliance rating from the New Jersey Department of Corrections' Bureau of County Services between 2007 and 2010. Additionally, the department holds accreditations from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) and certification from the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). In 2007, administrative oversight of the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in Newark, NJ, was assumed by the department.

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.