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Salem County Public Records /Salem County Inmate Search

Salem County Inmate Search

How To Search for Inmate Records in Salem County in 2026

SalemRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Salem County. Members of the public may find booking details, custody status, charge information, bond amounts, and facility location data through this resource. Record categories available through official channels include:

  • Current inmate rosters
  • Booking and arrest records
  • Court case information
  • Sentence and release data
  • Transfer and custody history

Records can be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.

1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search

Salem County, New Jersey is served by the Salem County Sheriff's Office, which maintains custody records for individuals held at the Salem County Correctional Facility. Members of the public may access the inmate roster by visiting the Sheriff's Office official web presence or contacting the facility directly.

To conduct an online search, members of the public should navigate to the Sheriff's Office website, select the inmate inquiry or roster section, and enter the subject's full legal name or booking number. Search results display personal identification information, current charges, bond amounts, booking date, custody status, and facility location. The roster is updated on a regular basis, though recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the system.

Salem County Sheriff's Office
110 Fifth Street
Salem, NJ 08079
Phone: (856) 935-7510
Salem County Sheriff's Office

2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)

Individuals sentenced to more than one year of incarceration in New Jersey are transferred to the custody of the New Jersey Department of Corrections. The NJDOC maintains a publicly accessible inmate locator that allows searches by name, State Bureau of Identification (SBI) number, or inmate number. The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: county facilities house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving shorter sentences, while state facilities house post-conviction inmates serving longer terms. Transfer from county to state custody typically occurs within several weeks of sentencing.

New Jersey Department of Corrections
Whittlesey Road, P.O. Box 863
Trenton, NJ 08625
Phone: (609) 292-4036
New Jersey Department of Corrections

3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)

Individuals convicted of federal offenses are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The BOP inmate locator is a free public tool that allows searches by name or federal register number. This resource is appropriate when the underlying offense involves federal law, such as drug trafficking across state lines, immigration violations, or federal fraud. Information available includes facility name, release date, age, race, and sex.

Phone Search:

  • Phone number for inmate information: (856) 935-7510
  • Automated or staff-assisted inquiry is available during business hours
  • Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available
  • Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In-Person Inquiry:

  • Sheriff's Office/Jail address: 110 Fifth Street, Salem, NJ 08079
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Valid government-issued photo identification is required
  • Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status and basic booking information

By Mail:

  • Mailing address: Salem County Correctional Facility, 125 Cemetery Road, Woodstown, NJ 08098
  • Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific information sought
  • Processing time varies; written requests are addressed in the order received

Search Tips:

  • Use the subject's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
  • Try name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
  • Include the date of birth to narrow results when the name is common
  • Search by booking number if available, as this yields the most precise results
  • Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
  • Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system
  • Inmates who have been transferred may not appear in the county roster

What If You Can't Find an Inmate:

  • The individual may have been transferred to state prison; check the New Jersey Department of Corrections inmate locator
  • The individual may be in federal custody; check the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator
  • The individual may have been released
  • The individual may be held in another jurisdiction following a detainer or warrant
  • A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
  • Name spelling variations may affect search results
  • Members of the public may contact the jail directly at (856) 935-7510

Are Inmate Records Public in Salem County?

Inmate records maintained by Salem County government agencies are subject to public disclosure under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1 et seq., which establishes the right of the public to access government records. Under current law, basic booking and custody information is presumptively available to any member of the public upon request, subject to specific statutory exemptions.

Information That Is Public:

  • Current inmate roster and population data
  • Booking information, including date and time of booking
  • Charges filed against the individual
  • Bond and bail amounts set by the court
  • Booking photographs (mugshots)
  • Current custody status
  • Facility location
  • Scheduled court dates
  • Expected release date, where available

Information With Restricted Access:

  • Medical records and health conditions
  • Mental health evaluations and treatment information
  • Prescription medication records
  • Detailed disciplinary records, which may be withheld under N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1.1 as security-sensitive material
  • Visitor contact lists
  • Confidential informant status
  • Juvenile detention records, which are protected under separate statutory provisions
  • Witness protection participant information
  • Specific cell or housing unit assignments where disclosure would compromise facility security

Why Inmate Records Are Public:

  • Government transparency and accountability in the administration of justice
  • Public safety notification for community members
  • Family notification regarding the location and status of detained individuals
  • Support for legal proceedings, including bail hearings and court appearances
  • Operational needs of the bail bond industry

Privacy Considerations: The New Jersey Legislature has recognized the need to balance public transparency with individual privacy interests. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health data, is protected from disclosure. The impact of public booking records on families and future employment prospects is acknowledged in ongoing policy discussions at the state level, though the presumption of openness for basic custody information remains in effect under current law.

What Is Inmate Records in Salem County?

Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, legal status, and administrative classification of individuals held in detention. These records serve the purposes of institutional management, legal accountability, and public transparency. The Salem County Sheriff's Office and the New Jersey Department of Corrections are the primary custodians of inmate records at the county and state levels, respectively.

The following distinctions apply to the categories of inmate records:

  • Booking records are created at the time of arrest and initial detention, documenting the individual's identity, charges, and physical description
  • Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual within the correctional system, including housing assignments, classification, and transfers
  • Incarceration history encompasses the full record of an individual's prior and current periods of detention within the jurisdiction
  • Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's discharge from custody, whether by bond, court order, completion of sentence, or transfer

The Salem County Sheriff's Office serves as the official custodian of county jail records. County jail records pertain to pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of one year or less. State prison records, maintained by the New Jersey Department of Corrections, pertain to post-conviction inmates serving longer sentences. Federal prison records are maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons for individuals convicted of federal offenses.

What's Included in Inmate Records in Salem County

Personal Identification Information:

  • Full legal name and known aliases
  • Inmate or booking number assigned at intake
  • Date of birth and age
  • Sex and gender
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Height, weight, and physical description
  • Booking photograph taken at intake
  • Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos

Custody Information:

  • Current facility location
  • Housing unit or cell block designation (subject to security restrictions)
  • Custody date and booking date
  • Expected release date, if available
  • Actual release date following discharge
  • Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred

Charges and Legal Information:

  • Current charges and charge descriptions
  • Case numbers assigned by the court
  • Court jurisdiction
  • Arrest date and arresting agency
  • Warrant information, including issuing jurisdiction

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond amount set by the court
  • Bond type: cash, surety, personal recognizance, or no bond
  • Bond status: posted, pending, or forfeited
  • Bail bondsman information, where applicable

Court Information:

  • Scheduled court dates and hearing types
  • Court location and division
  • Attorney of record, where publicly available

Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):

  • Conviction charges and sentence length
  • Sentence start date and projected release date
  • Parole eligibility date, where applicable
  • Good time credits applied

Previous Custody History:

  • Prior bookings within Salem County
  • Previous charges and historical custody dates

Administrative Information:

  • Security classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum
  • Special housing needs or designations
  • Work assignments and program participation, where publicly available

What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:

  • Medical history or active health conditions
  • Mental health evaluations or treatment records
  • Prescription medication information
  • Detailed disciplinary incident reports
  • Visitor contact information
  • Inmate account balances
  • Phone call logs
  • Specific cell assignments withheld for security purposes

Salem County Prison System

The Salem County correctional system is administered by the Salem County Sheriff's Office under the authority of the elected Sheriff. The primary detention facility serving the county is the Salem County Correctional Facility, located in Woodstown, New Jersey. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor and lower-level felony offenses, and individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions.

Administration: The Sheriff of Salem County serves as the chief law enforcement officer and oversees the operations of the correctional facility. Administrative inquiries may be directed to the Sheriff's Office.

Salem County Sheriff's Office
110 Fifth Street
Salem, NJ 08079
Phone: (856) 935-7510
Salem County Sheriff's Office

Facility Operations: The Salem County Correctional Facility houses pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings, individuals sentenced to terms of one year or less, and individuals held on behalf of other agencies. The classification system assigns inmates to appropriate security levels based on the nature of charges, criminal history, and behavioral assessments.

Inmate Services:

  • Medical care provided on-site or through contracted health services
  • Mental health services and crisis intervention
  • Substance abuse counseling and programming
  • Educational programs, including GED preparation and literacy instruction
  • Religious services and chaplaincy
  • Library access and recreational programming

Legal Services:

  • Law library access for self-represented individuals
  • Coordination with the Office of the Public Defender
  • Attorney visitation during designated hours

Reentry Programs:

  • Pre-release planning and case management
  • Referrals to community-based substance abuse treatment
  • Coordination with housing and employment assistance programs

Oversight and Accountability: The New Jersey Department of Corrections provides oversight of county correctional facilities through inspection and compliance review. Grievance procedures are available to inmates through the facility's administrative process.

Types of Correctional Facilities in Salem County

Salem County Correctional Facility

Salem County Correctional Facility
125 Cemetery Road
Woodstown, NJ 08098
Phone: (856) 769-4600
Salem County Sheriff's Office

The Salem County Correctional Facility is the primary detention center serving Salem County. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held under contract with federal agencies. The facility operates under the supervision of the Salem County Sheriff's Office and is subject to state inspection and compliance standards.

Alternative Custody Programs

Home Detention/Electronic Monitoring The Salem County Sheriff's Office administers an electronic monitoring program for eligible individuals as an alternative to incarceration. Eligibility is determined by the court based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and risk assessment. Participants are required to comply with all program conditions, including curfew requirements and regular check-ins.

Work Release A work release program may be available for sentenced individuals who meet eligibility criteria established by the court and the Sheriff's Office. Participants are permitted to leave the facility for employment purposes and must return at designated times.

State Prison Facilities Near Salem County

Individuals sentenced to state custody from Salem County are transferred to facilities operated by the New Jersey Department of Corrections. The NJDOC operates multiple facilities throughout New Jersey. Salem County does not currently have a state prison facility within its geographic boundaries. Under N.J.S.A. § 30:4-91.3, the Commissioner of Corrections has authority over the placement of state inmates within the correctional system.

Federal Detention Facilities

Federal inmates with connections to Salem County are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The nearest federal detention facility is the Federal Detention Center Philadelphia, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Federal custody is distinct from state and county custody and arises from convictions under federal law.

Facility Contact Information Summary:

FacilityAddressPhone
Salem County Correctional Facility125 Cemetery Road, Woodstown, NJ 08098(856) 769-4600
Salem County Sheriff's Office110 Fifth Street, Salem, NJ 08079(856) 935-7510

How To Find an Inmate in Salem County for Free?

Members of the public may locate an inmate in Salem County at no cost through several official government resources. No registration, subscription, or payment is required to access basic inmate information through official channels.

1. Official County Inmate Roster

The Salem County Sheriff's Office provides access to current inmate information through its official web presence. This resource is completely free and requires no registration. Information available includes current inmates, booking information, charges and bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated regularly, with new bookings appearing within hours of intake.

2. State Department of Corrections Free Search

The New Jersey Department of Corrections inmate locator provides free access to information on individuals in state custody. Historical information on formerly incarcerated individuals may also be available through this resource.

3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator

The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator is a free public tool for locating individuals in federal custody. No account or payment is required.

4. Court Records Search

Members of the public may verify custody status and access upcoming court date information through the New Jersey Courts case information portal. Court records may reflect current custody status and scheduled proceedings.

Free Phone Information:

  • Call (856) 769-4600 for inmate information at the Salem County Correctional Facility
  • No charge is assessed for basic telephone inquiries
  • Available during regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Free In-Person Search:

  • Visit the Salem County Sheriff's Office at 110 Fifth Street, Salem, NJ 08079
  • Public access terminals may be available for self-service inquiry
  • Staff assistance is available during regular business hours
  • No fee is charged for basic information requests

What's Free vs. What Costs Money:

Always Free:

  • Online inmate search through official government websites
  • Current custody status inquiry
  • Basic inmate information by phone or in person
  • Court records access through the state court portal

Services That Cost Money:

  • Sending money to an inmate through approved deposit services
  • Video visitation through contracted vendors
  • Telephone calls placed by inmates through the facility phone system
  • Commissary orders placed on behalf of an inmate
  • Certified copies of booking records requested for official purposes
  • Comprehensive background check reports

Avoid Paid Services For:

  • Basic inmate location, which is available free through official government sources
  • Public court records accessible through the state court system
  • Booking photographs available at no cost on the official Sheriff's Office website

Scam Warning: Members of the public should exercise caution when using third-party websites that charge fees for information available free of charge through official government sources. Official government websites use .gov or .nj.us domain extensions. Members of the public should verify the domain of any website before submitting personal or payment information.

Lookup Inmate Records in Salem County