Essex Correctional Facility: Overview

Essex Correctional Facility, located in Newark, New Jersey, is one of the largest county jails in the state. It serves as a detention center primarily for individuals awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to other facilities. The facility is designed to hold both male and female offenders, including individuals convicted of misdemeanors and felonies. The prison has faced scrutiny for incidents of violence, yet remains an integral part of the Essex County justice system. With a capacity of over 2,400 beds, the facility houses detainees from various municipalities and works closely with state and federal agencies​

Essex Correctional Facility, Newark, NJ

Contact Information for Essex Correctional Facility

Address:
Essex Correctional Facility
354 Doremus Avenue, Newark, NJ, 07105

Phone Number:
General Inquiries: 973-274-7500
Visitation: 973-274-6246

Email:
Not publicly available—visit the official Essex County website or call for specific inquiries​

Visiting Information at Essex Correctional Facility

Visiting an inmate at Essex Correctional Facility requires adherence to specific rules and schedules. Visits are generally held on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s crucial to arrive early as time slots are limited.

Visitation Times:

  • Buildings 2 & 5: Wednesdays and Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Buildings 3 & 4: Thursdays and Sundays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Infirmary: Fridays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Make sure to call ahead to confirm the schedule as it can change without notice​

What to Bring to a Visit:

  • Valid ID: A government-issued photo ID is mandatory.
  • For Minors: Children under 18 must have a birth certificate and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Dress Code: Appropriate attire is required; provocative or revealing clothing may result in denied entry

How to Book a Visit to Essex Correctional Facility

Booking a visit at Essex Correctional Facility is straightforward but requires planning. All visits, whether in-person or via video, need to be scheduled in advance using the facility’s GettingOut service, which allows you to book video visits remotely. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Create an Account: Register at the GettingOut platform (GTL) online or through their app.
  2. Select the Facility: Choose “Essex County Correctional Facility.”
  3. Inmate Information: You’ll need the inmate’s full name or ID number to book a visit​

Directions to Essex Correctional Facility and Parking

Address for Navigation:
354 Doremus Avenue, Newark, NJ, 07105

By Car:
The facility is easily accessible via major highways like I-78 and the New Jersey Turnpike. Once on Doremus Avenue, signage will direct you to the facility’s parking lot. There is limited parking available onsite.

Public Transportation:
Several bus routes serve the Newark area, and the facility is a short taxi or ride-share ride from Newark Penn Station

Life Inside Essex Correctional Facility

Life at Essex Correctional Facility is structured but challenging. Detainees are housed in “pods” or units with common areas for recreation and dining. Inmates have access to commissary services, and can engage in limited educational and work programs, such as laundry and kitchen duties. However, the facility has been the subject of numerous reports about violence and overcrowding, with some raising concerns over conditions inside​

Famous Prisoners at Essex Correctional Facility

Essex Correctional Facility has held several notable prisoners, including high-profile offenders from organized crime, political corruption cases, and violent crimes. More recently, a former rapper was involved in an altercation that brought renewed attention to safety concerns at the facility​

FAQs about Essex Correctional Facility

  • Where is Essex Correctional Facility located?
    Essex Correctional Facility is located at 354 Doremus Avenue, Newark, NJ, 07105.

  • How do I book a visit to Essex Correctional Facility?
    Visits can be booked through the GettingOut platform online or via their mobile app. You’ll need the inmate’s details to schedule the visit.

  • What are the visitation times at Essex Correctional Facility?
    Visiting times vary by housing unit but generally occur Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

  • What items can I bring when visiting an inmate?
    A valid ID is required for entry. If bringing minors, a birth certificate is also needed. Dress modestly to avoid being turned away.

  • How can I find out if someone is in Essex Correctional Facility?
    Use the online Inmate Search tool provided by the facility’s official website.

  • What type of prisoners are held at Essex Correctional Facility?
    The facility holds both male and female detainees awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer, and those serving short sentences.

  • How many visitors can an inmate have at once?
    Typically, up to two adults and one child are allowed per visit.

  • Is there parking available at Essex Correctional Facility?
    Yes, limited parking is available at the facility.

  • What is life like inside Essex Correctional Facility?
    Inmates are housed in pods with restricted movement but can access recreation, commissary, and educational services. Safety concerns have been reported due to violence.

  • Has Essex Correctional Facility housed any famous inmates?
    Yes, it has held high-profile offenders, including organized crime figures and a recent case involving a well-known rapper

Conclusion:

Essex Correctional Facility remains a key part of the Essex County legal system, despite challenges like overcrowding and inmate safety concerns. With a mix of pre-trial detainees and short-term offenders, it plays a crucial role in processing and detaining those involved in the legal system. For more information on this facility, check out official state resources.

Sources:

Visit Emmons County Detention Center