Essex County Jail Overview

Located in Newark, New Jersey, Essex County Jail is a prominent correctional facility that houses male and female inmates, including those awaiting trial and serving short-term sentences. As part of the Essex County Department of Corrections, the facility is known for its stringent security measures and commitment to inmate rehabilitation. The jail has various programs aimed at educating inmates and preparing them for reintegration into society, such as GED programs and vocational training. With a capacity to hold over 2,400 inmates, the jail accommodates individuals arrested for both misdemeanors and felonies, making it a critical component of Essex County’s justice system.

 

Essex County Jail, Newark, NJ

Contact Information for Essex County Jail

Essex County Jail
60 Nelson Place
Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-621-2132, 973-621-2133

To contact Essex County Jail for general inquiries or information about an inmate, you can also visit the Essex County Sheriff’s Office website.

Visiting Information for Essex County Jail

Visiting loved ones at Essex County Jail requires adherence to specific protocols and scheduling procedures. Visits are permitted based on the inmate’s housing unit, and visitors must adhere to a strict dress code. Visitors can expect to be searched upon entering the facility, and only certain personal items are allowed.

  • Visiting Hours:
    Visiting times vary depending on the housing unit. Common visitation days include Wednesdays and Sundays, with hours ranging from 10:15 AM to 5:45 PM.
  • What to Bring:
    Visitors must bring a valid government-issued ID. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Only keys and ID are allowed; other belongings must be left outside.
  • Length of Visits:
    Visits generally last one hour, but extended times can be approved for families traveling from a distance.

How to Book a Visit at Essex County Jail

To schedule a visit, you must book in advance through the jail’s scheduling system, either online or by calling the jail directly. Walk-ins are not permitted, and all visits must be pre-approved.

  • What You Need to Book:
    Visitors will need the inmate’s full name and ID number, along with a government-issued ID to secure the visit.
  • Number of Visitors:
    Up to four visitors are allowed per visit, including minors. Children must remain under adult supervision at all times.

Directions and Parking Information for Essex County Jail

Essex County Jail is located in the heart of Newark, making it accessible by both car and public transportation.

  • Address: 60 Nelson Place, Newark, NJ 07102
  • Parking: On-site parking is available for visitors, though spaces are limited. Arriving early is recommended, especially during peak visiting hours.
  • Public Transport: The facility is accessible via several Newark bus lines, and the nearest train station is Newark Penn Station.

Life Inside Essex County Jail

Inmates at Essex County Jail experience a structured environment with strict rules. The facility operates under a pod system, where inmates are housed in shared common areas. Daily activities include limited recreation, time in the commissary, and opportunities to participate in educational or vocational programs, such as GED preparation and culinary skills training. Inmates with good behavior may receive lower classifications, which allows for additional privileges.

Phone calls are outgoing only and must be prepaid by family members or funded through inmate accounts. Mail is monitored and inspected for contraband but is an essential communication method for inmates.

Recent improvements in the facility include enhanced healthcare services and reentry programs aimed at reducing recidivism. However, like many large jails, Essex County faces challenges, such as overcrowding and maintaining adequate mental health services.

Famous Prisoners at Essex County Jail

Over the years, Essex County Jail has housed several high-profile inmates, including individuals awaiting trial for serious crimes or involved in organized crime. However, due to privacy regulations, specific details about current or past inmates are not publicly disclosed without consent.

 

FAQs about Essex County Jail

  • How can I contact an inmate at Essex County Jail?
    Inmates can receive letters addressed to:
    [Inmate’s Full Name], Essex County Jail, 60 Nelson Place, Newark, NJ 07102.

  • What are the visiting hours at Essex County Jail?
    Visiting hours vary by housing unit, typically on Wednesdays and Sundays between 10:15 AM and 5:45 PM. Confirm specific times before your visit.

  • Can I send money to an inmate at Essex County Jail?
    Yes, you can send money through postal orders or deposit funds online into the inmate’s commissary account.

  • What is the capacity of Essex County Jail?
    The facility can house over 2,400 inmates.

  • Are there educational programs available for inmates?
    Yes, inmates can enroll in GED, vocational training, and life skills programs.

  • How do I find out if someone is in Essex County Jail?
    You can perform an inmate search on the Essex County Sheriff’s Office website or call the facility at 973-621-2132.

  • What is the phone policy for inmates?
    Inmates can make outgoing calls only. Family members can set up prepaid phone accounts for communication.

  • Is there a dress code for visitors at Essex County Jail?
    Yes, visitors must follow a strict dress code, including no revealing clothing or offensive language on attire.

  • How do I schedule a visit at Essex County Jail?
    Visits must be scheduled in advance, either online or by calling the facility.

  • What can I expect during a visit to Essex County Jail?
    Visitors will undergo a security check, and all visits are non-contact. Bring only your ID and keys into the facility.

Summary

Essex County Jail is a vital correctional facility in Newark, New Jersey, offering a range of programs aimed at inmate rehabilitation. With detailed protocols for visitation and communication, the jail provides essential services to inmates and their families. While challenges like overcrowding persist, the facility continues to evolve, focusing on the reentry and rehabilitation of offenders.

For more details, you can visit the Essex County Sheriff’s Office website

Visit Escambia County Jail