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  1. Ocean County Court
  2. Ocean County Inmate Search

Ocean County, New Jersey Inmate Search

Inmate search platforms help family members, friends, or legal representatives locate someone after an arrest. Generally, the Ocean County Department of Corrections serves as the primary source of such information. Family members can also access the Inmate Lookup Tool on the county government website.

Depending on the city, some records may be accessible by contacting the local police department. For instance, while the Lakewood Police Department does not have a separate online jail roster, the Toms River Police Department directs inquiries to the Ocean County Jail. Inmates arrested in these cities are usually transferred to the Ocean County Jail. If an individual cannot be found locally, the county roster can be found. Search results usually include the inmate’s full name, booking photo, charges, bail amount, and custody status.


Note: Unlike some counties, there are no Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities in Ocean County. The closest federal facilities are FCI Fort Dix in Burlington County and FCI Fairton in Cumberland County. Friends and loved ones can find federal inmates using the BOP Inmate Locator.

How to Find an Inmate in Ocean County Jail

The Ocean County Jail is the main facility for people arrested in the county. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office takes care of law enforcement and court services. However, the Ocean County Department of Corrections operates the jail, which is led by a Warden.

To find an inmate, people should use the official Inmate Lookup Tool on the Ocean County government website. This database lets users search by name or booking number. It also provides up-to-date information about an inmate’s custody status and charges. If someone cannot be found online, they can call the jail’s control room for help.

Facility and Administrative Addresses:

Ocean County Jail (Department of Corrections)

114 Hooper Avenue

Toms River, NJ 08753

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 2191

Toms River

NJ 08754

Ocean County Sheriff’s Office

120 Hooper Avenue

Toms River, NJ 08754

The direct phone number for the Ocean County Jail booking department is (732) 929-2043.

How to Use the Ocean County Jail Roster

Using the Ocean County Jail roster is simple and intended for public access. To start, visit the official Ocean County Government website and locate the Department of Corrections section. Look for the "Inmate Information" link within this department. It contains the searchable Inmate Lookup Tool.

Once searchers access the tool, they can search for someone by entering specific details into the search fields. The most common and effective way is to search by the person’s last name. If the last name is common, adding a first name or part of a first name can help narrow the results. Some versions of the roster may also let users search using a unique Booking Number or an Inmate ID if they have that information.

After clicking the "Search" button, a list of matching individuals will show up. Selecting a specific name opens a detailed profile that includes the inmate’s full name, booking date, and current charges. Keep in mind that the online roster only shows those currently in custody; anyone who has been released or transferred will not appear in these results.

If the online search tool is down for maintenance or if users cannot locate a specific person through the digital interface, they can call the Ocean County Jail directly. Staff members can provide basic information about custody and bail status over the phone to help those who cannot use the web-based roster.

What Information is Included in the Ocean County Inmate Roster

The Ocean County Inmate Lookup Tool provides specific details about individuals currently held in the county’s jail system. When searching, users can expect to find the following information:

  • Full Name: The legal name under which the person was booked.
  • Booking Number: A unique identifier assigned for the duration of the stay.
  • Arrest and Booking Date: The exact date and time the person was processed into the facility.
  • Charge Description: A summary of the alleged offenses or violations.
  • Custody Status: Information on whether the person is currently in custody or has been released.
  • Bail Information: The bail amount or conditions required for release, if applicable.
  • Physical Identifiers: Basic details such as age, gender, and sometimes a booking photograph (mugshot).

Access to these records is governed by the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), which gives the public the right to access government documents. However, there are important exceptions. Information about juvenile offenders is kept confidential to protect their privacy. In addition, sensitive personal data, such as Social Security numbers, victims’ home addresses, and medical records, is removed. Under OPRA, access may also be limited if revealing the information would endanger an ongoing criminal investigation or jeopardize the safety of the correctional facility.

Contact Details for Ocean County Jail or Sheriff’s Office

To get official updates or speak directly with facility staff, people can contact the Ocean County Department of Corrections or the Sheriff’s Office using the contact details below. The Ocean County Jail, run by the Department of Corrections, handles all inquiries about current inmates. This includes booking status, bail amounts, and visitation scheduling. For issues related to administration, court services, or legal matters, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office is the main point of contact. Both facilities are in the Justice Complex in Toms River. When calling for inmate information, it helps to have the person’s full legal name or booking number ready for a quick response.

Agency

Office and Mail Address

Phone Number

Office Hours

Email

Ocean County Department of Corrections

114 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753; Mail: P.O. Box 2191, Toms River, NJ 08754

(732) 929-2043

24/7 (Operations)

jvalenti@co.ocean.nj.us

Ocean County Sheriff’s Office

20 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08754

(732) 929-2044

Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

sheriff@co.ocean.nj.us

Jail Facility Overview in Ocean County

Ocean County has specialized detention facilities to manage individuals in custody. The main and largest facility is the Ocean County Jail, located at 114 Hooper Avenue in Toms River. This medium-security correctional facility serves adult males and females, including pre-trial detainees and those serving short sentences. It has about 692 beds, making it the main hub for the county’s adult detention services.

In addition to adult facilities, the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center offers secure housing and treatment for juvenile males and females. This center is for youth awaiting court decisions or those sentenced under state laws. It provides a structured environment with educational and social services focused on personal growth and community reintegration.

While the Ocean County Jail manages most local detainees, there are no federal or state prisons within the county. Most local police departments, like those in Lakewood and Toms River, use the county jail for anything beyond temporary processing. This combined system ensures all inmates receive the same medical, nutritional, and legal access while they wait for their court dates.

Agency

Office and Mail Address

Phone Number

Office Hours

Email

Ocean County Department of Corrections

114 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753; Mail: P.O. Box 2191, Toms River, NJ 08754

(732) 929-2043

24/7 (Operations)

JValenti@co.ocean.nj.us

Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center

165 Sunset Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753; Mail: P.O. Box 2191, Toms River, NJ 08754

(732) 288-7708

24/7 (Operations)

JValenti@co.ocean.nj.us

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Ocean County Jail?

The Ocean County Jail is the county’s largest detention facility and offers several secure ways for friends and family to deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account. These funds allow inmates to buy essential items such as hygiene products, snacks, and stationery.

Deposit methods include:

  • Online Portals: Interested persons can make deposits 24/7 through the ConnectNetwork (GTL) website or mobile app.
  • Lobby Kiosks: Self-service kiosks are available in the jail’s main lobby and the Public Information Office. These kiosks take cash, debit cards, and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).
  • Telephone: family members and friends can add funds by calling the automated system at 1-800-483-8314.
  • Money Orders: The facility usually accepts money orders sent by mail, provided they include the inmate’s full name and booking number.

While there is generally no strict daily limit on deposits, the facility may charge outstanding fees, such as medical co-pays or administrative processing costs, directly to the balance. All deposits are final and non-refundable.

Inmate Search by Jail Facility

Ocean County Jail

This facility houses adults, and the population is tracked using a centralized public database managed by the Department of Corrections. This roster is updated regularly and includes individuals currently held for trial or serving short-term sentences. It is the only county-level facility with a direct online search tool accessible to the general public.

Juvenile Detention Center

For privacy and legal reasons, there is no public online roster for the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center. Records for juvenile offenders are confidential under New Jersey state law to protect minors’ identities. Information about a specific juvenile’s custody status is usually limited to parents, legal guardians, and authorized legal counsel.

Community Work and Specialized Programs

Ocean County also operates a Community Work Program that allows eligible offenders to perform supervised public work. While these individuals are in the custody of the Department of Corrections, they may not always appear as "active" on the main jail roster, depending on their program status.

Ocean County Visitation Rules and Schedules

Visiting a loved one in the Ocean County Jail is essential for keeping support systems strong. The facility offers both video and in-person options to help families. Since the process can be complex, here is a guide to help ensure a smooth visit.

Types of Visitation:

  • Video Visitation: This is the most common option. It is available throughout the week and can be scheduled online through the ConnectNetwork (GTL) platform.
  • Contact Visitation: These visits are closely regulated and allow face-to-face interaction. They are typically for inmates who have been in custody for at least 90 days and require a formal request submitted 14 days in advance.

The rules and requirements include:

  • Who Can Visit: Only pre-approved individuals on the inmate’s visitor list can visit. A maximum of two adult visitors is allowed per session.
  • Identification: All adults must show a valid government-issued photo ID. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian and present an original birth certificate.
  • Dress Code: Proper attire is required. Prohibited items include tank tops, low-cut shirts, short skirts or shorts (must be at or below the knee), and flip-flops.
  • Arrival: Visitors should check in at the lobby 15 minutes early. Late arrivals are usually not allowed.

General Schedule:

Visit Type

Weekday Hours

Weekend Hours

Video Visitation

Mon-Fri: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sat & Sun: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Contact Visitation

Fridays: 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. / 5 p.m. -6 p.m.

Sat & Sun: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Mailing and Commissary Information

Maintaining contact through mail and providing commissary funds are important ways to support those in the Ocean County Jail. To ensure correspondence reaches its destination, please follow these guidelines:

  • Mailing Guidelines: All incoming mail is inspected for contraband. Senders must use plain envelopes. Do not include stickers, glitter, perfume, or staples. Only letters and photographs (no larger than 4x6) are generally allowed.
  • Correct Mailing Format:

Inmate Full Name, ID/Booking Number

Ocean County Jail

P.O. Box 2191

Toms River, NJ 08754

  • Commissary and Packages: Inmates can buy snacks, toiletries, and stamps using their commissary accounts. Senders cannot send care packages directly. However, they can deposit funds through the ConnectNetwork (GTL) website, phone system, or the kiosk in the jail lobby.
  • Allowed vs. Prohibited Items:
    • Allowed: Standard letters, postcards, legal mail, and pre-approved softcover books shipped directly from a publisher (e.g., Amazon).
    • Prohibited: Cash, Polaroid photos, greeting cards with electronics, and any food items.