New Jersey

How to contact an inmate at Ocean County Jail

Last Updated on July 30, 2025

A friendly help guide for Ocean County Jail. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

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Ocean County Jail

Complete Guide to Inmate Communication

Location: Toms River, NJ
Last Updated:

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How to contact an inmate at Ocean County Jail

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate at Ocean County Jail. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. Search for the inmate using our search tool below
  2. Create your account or log in to Penmate
  3. Write your message (up to 6,000 characters)
  4. Send instantly - inmates receive printed copies daily

Watch this short video on how to contact an inmate at Ocean County Jail:

How to Send Messages to Inmates

How to message an inmate at Ocean County Jail

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Ocean County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Ocean County Jail

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Ocean County Jail is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Ocean County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Ocean County Jail

  1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

    If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Ocean County Jail.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to Ocean County Jail?

    You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

  3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Ocean County Jail?

    Penmate

    You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

    Securus messaging

    Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Ocean County Jail. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

    JPay

    Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

    Smart Jail Mail

    You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Ocean County Jail. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

  4. What is the mailing address of Ocean County Jail?

    Mailing address:

    Ocean County Jail
    114 Hooper Ave
    Toms River, NJ 08753
    Phone: (732) 929-2043

    Business hours:

    • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Saturday: Closed
    • Sunday: Closed
  5. What are the visiting hours at Ocean County Jail?

    Visiting hours at Ocean County Jail vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (732) 929-2043 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

  6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Ocean County Jail?

    Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Ocean County Jail for their specific mail policies.

  7. How do I send money to an inmate at Ocean County Jail?

    You can send money to an inmate at Ocean County Jail through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

  8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Ocean County Jail?

    Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Ocean County Jail, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

  9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Ocean County Jail?

    All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Ocean County Jail for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

  10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Ocean County Jail, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Facility Overview

Contact Information

Ocean County Jail
114 Hooper Ave
Toms River, NJ 08753
Phone: (732) 929-2043

Official Website

www.co.ocean.nj.us

Programs and services at Ocean County Jail

About Ocean County Jail

Nestled in the heart of Toms River, New Jersey, this county correctional facility operates as a cornerstone of Ocean County's justice system, processing individuals through various stages of the legal process while maintaining connections to the broader mid-Atlantic correctional network. The facility's location within this coastal community reflects its commitment to serving residents across the Ocean area, from barrier island townships to inland communities, managing both pre-trial detention and sentenced individuals through comprehensive intake and classification procedures that typically begin upon arrival and continue throughout each person's stay.

Ocean County Jail, NJ functions as more than a traditional holding facility, generally implementing structured daily routines that may include educational opportunities, substance abuse programming, and mental health services designed to address the diverse needs of its population. The facility's approach to rehabilitation often emphasizes preparing individuals for successful reintegration into their communities, with programs that typically focus on life skills development, vocational training opportunities, and maintaining family connections through visitation and communication services. As a NJ correctional facility, it operates within state guidelines while adapting services to meet the specific demographic and geographic challenges of serving Ocean County's varied communities.

The institution's role in residents services extends beyond basic detention, as staff generally work to coordinate with local courts, social services, and community organizations to ensure continuity of care and support systems. This process-oriented approach recognizes that successful outcomes often depend on addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to legal involvement, while maintaining security protocols essential for public safety and facility operations throughout the region.

Programs & Services

Rehabilitation-focused initiatives at Ocean County Jail typically emphasize skill development and personal growth opportunities for residents. The facility often maintains a comprehensive approach that addresses multiple aspects of reentry preparation. These initiatives may deliver structured programming designed to help residents develop practical abilities and address underlying challenges that contributed to their incarceration.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the facility's programming approach. Residents may participate in basic literacy courses, GED preparation classes, and computer skills training. Furthermore, vocational programs often include janitorial services training, which provides hands-on experience in facility maintenance and cleaning operations. These educational and vocational initiatives typically focus on developing marketable skills that residents can utilize upon release.

Support services and therapeutic initiatives address both personal challenges and practical needs. Substance abuse treatment programs may deliver group counseling sessions and educational components about addiction recovery. Furthermore, domestic violence programs often include anger management components and relationship skills development. These therapeutic initiatives typically work alongside the educational programming to provide residents with a well-rounded foundation for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visitation area at Ocean County Jail

Structured routines form the foundation of daily operations, with residents following consistent schedules that deliver predictability and order. Today's activities typically begin with early morning wake-up calls, followed by scheduled meal times, work assignments, and designated periods for recreation and programming. These consistently maintained schedules help residents understand expectations and create a sense of stability throughout their stay.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared housing units where residents are assigned beds and provided basic necessities. The facility typically houses residents in dormitory-style settings or smaller cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Furthermore, residents usually have access to common areas during designated hours and may store approved personal items in their assigned living spaces. Meals are typically served in dining areas at scheduled times, with menus planned to meet basic nutritional requirements.

Programming schedules often include educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling, and vocational training that residents may participate in based on their length of stay and eligibility. Although recreational activities are generally limited to specific time periods, residents typically have access to exercise areas, television viewing, and library materials. Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and phone privileges, which generally operate according to established facility policies. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and maintenance tasks that help residents maintain productive daily routines while contributing to facility operations.

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