Somerset County NJ Jail

You can support your loved ones at Somerset Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 908-231-7150.

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 Somerset Co Jail is a detention center located at 20 Grove St Somerville, NJ which is operated locally by the Somerset 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. Somerset County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Somerville 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.

Effective June 1, 2024, Somerset County entered into a five-year contract with Morris County to house Somerset's longer-term detainees at the Morris County Correctional Facility. This agreement, developed after a year-long study to address the decreasing jail population, allows Somerset County to maintain limited operations at its jail for short-term detainees awaiting court hearings. However, those serving longer sentences or awaiting transport to other jurisdictions will be housed at the Morris County Jail.

The Somerset County Jail remains the primary holding facility for inmates awaiting trial, sentencing, or transport. It holds inmates temporarily while awaiting disposition of charges or permanently for sentences from municipal courts (up to 180 days) and superior courts (up to 364 days). The facility ensures the safety of both the public and inmates, providing secure confinement along with food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. Inmates are required to observe facility rules and regulations under the supervision of the Custody Staff, who ensure fair and impartial treatment.

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.

Somerset County Jail also addresses substance use disorders through the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. Inmates who self-disclose or test positive for opioid or alcohol use are medically screened and, if qualified, can choose from several medications to support their recovery. This treatment is complemented by counseling and education, with post-release support offered to help inmates transition to community-based services for continued care.

The mission of the Somerset County Jail is to protect the community by securely holding individuals arrested, detained, or sentenced by the courts. The staff is dedicated to providing care and custody in an ethical, professional manner, ensuring the safety and well-being of all inmates under its supervision.