How to find the right facility phone numbers and local contacts
Start with the facility that currently has custody. The right contact info changes depending on whether someone is held at a county jail or another institution. If you reach an automated line, follow the prompts and ask for the office that handles inmate information (bail, charges, or visitation scheduling). Ocean County Jail lists a main number for inmate information, and Hudson County Sheriff's Office lists general phone numbers and an email contact.
Looking for a specific county jail? Some county sheriff pages publish direct jail phone numbers. One Union County Department of Corrections page lists numbers for Hudson County Jail and Essex County Jail. For non-urgent questions about services rather than day-to-day custody, some county facilities publish staff emails for reentry coordination, special services, or population management.
Common Questions
Q
How do I schedule an in-person visit at a county jail in New Jersey?
Start by confirming how that jail schedules visits, since some are appointment-only and require you to call the Visiting Desk directly. Camden County’s policy states all visits are by appointment only and provides Visiting Desk numbers for scheduling. Other jails may use an online scheduling system instead, so check the facility’s visitation page for the right method.
Q
How do I put money on an inmate's account, and can I mail cash?
Some New Jersey jails list options like an online money transfer vendor, a lobby kiosk, or mailing a money order, but the rules are not the same everywhere. One facility explicitly states it will not accept money dropped off or mailed in and tells families not to send cash in the mail. Another county mailroom page says the mailroom is available for depositing money on an inmate’s account using cash or a postal money order.
Q
Who can I contact for reentry help or treatment programs while someone is incarcerated?
Some county facilities publish reentry and treatment resources directly. Camden County materials describe Volunteers of America Safe Return reentry assistance, and Camden County also describes offering MOUD as a treatment option for incarcerated individuals. Camden County also lists a Reentry Coordinator contact by name and email in its materials.
Q
What should I do if I cannot find the inmate or their facility phone number?
Try contacting the county sheriff’s office or jail directly and ask for inmate information. Ocean County Jail, for example, lists a main number for help with inmate information like bail and charges, and the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office lists general phone numbers and an email contact. If you are using an inmate look-up site, some agencies require questions or corrections to be submitted in writing to the sheriff’s office division that manages classifications.
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