Cape May County Public Records / Cape May County Arrest Records

Cape May County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cape May County

Arrest records in Cape May County are considered public information under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1), which establishes the public's right to access government records. This statute affirms that government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by citizens of New Jersey, with certain exceptions established by law.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under New Jersey law. An arrest record documents the apprehension and booking of an individual suspected of committing a crime, while a conviction record indicates that a person has been found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-3, information concerning an arrest is considered a government record that must be made available to the public within 24 hours or as soon as practicable.

However, certain limitations exist regarding the disclosure of arrest records. The New Jersey Criminal History Record Information Act regulates the dissemination of criminal history record information and provides protections for individuals with arrest records that did not result in convictions. Additionally, records pertaining to juveniles, ongoing investigations, and certain domestic violence matters may be exempt from public disclosure.

The Cape May County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with state regulations and provides access to these records through established procedures that balance public access rights with privacy considerations.

What's in Cape May County Arrest Records

Cape May County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Residential address
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Circumstances leading to arrest
Use of force documentation (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute numbers of alleged violations
Classification of charges (indictable offense, disorderly persons offense)
Charge severity (felony or misdemeanor equivalent)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing authority
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Processing officer information
Assigned identification numbers

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bail conditions
Whether bail was posted
Method of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Case/docket numbers
Disposition of charges

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Projected release date (for sentenced individuals)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history references
Probation or parole status
Protection orders or restraining orders
Risk assessment information
Medical screening notes (non-confidential)
Property inventory from booking

The Cape May County Correctional Center maintains these records in accordance with N.J.A.C. 10A:31-6.5, which establishes standards for inmate record keeping in county correctional facilities.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cape May County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cape May County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

Submit a formal Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request to the Cape May County Sheriff's Office. Requestors must complete an OPRA request form specifying the records sought and submit it to the records custodian.
Visit the Cape May County Sheriff's Office in person to request arrest records. Staff can assist with completing the necessary paperwork and identifying available records.

Cape May County Sheriff's Office
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 463-6430
Cape May County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Contact the Cape May County Correctional Center directly for information about current inmates or recent arrests.

Cape May County Correctional Center
125 Crest Haven Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 465-1233
Cape May County Correctional Center
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Request records from the municipal police department where the arrest occurred. Each municipality maintains records of arrests within their jurisdiction.
Check with the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office for information about cases that have been formally charged.

Cape May County Prosecutor's Office
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 465-1135
Cape May County Prosecutor's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide sufficient information to identify the specific record sought, including the full name of the arrestee, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information available. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5, agencies must respond to OPRA requests within seven business days.

Fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with the fee schedule established under New Jersey law. Currently, paper copies are $0.05 per letter-size page and $0.07 per legal-size page.

How To Find Cape May County Arrest Records Online

Cape May County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and inmate information online. The following methods are available for electronic access to arrest records:

Cape May County Sheriff's Office Website - The Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of current inmates housed at the Cape May County Correctional Center. This resource provides basic information about individuals currently in custody, including names, charges, and booking dates. The current inmate information can be searched by name.
New Jersey Courts Public Access System - The New Jersey Judiciary provides online access to court records through their public portal. Users can search for criminal cases by name, which may include information about arrests that have resulted in formal charges. The New Jersey Courts case search system allows users to access public court records, including criminal complaints.
New Jersey Department of Corrections Offender Search - For individuals who have been sentenced to state prison following an arrest in Cape May County, the New Jersey Department of Corrections maintains an online offender search tool. This database includes information about current inmates and those released within the past year.
Municipal Court Records - Some municipal courts in Cape May County offer online access to their case management systems, which may include information about arrests for disorderly persons offenses and other minor charges handled at the municipal level.

When using online systems to access arrest records, users should note that:

Information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from the agency
Some records may not be available online due to privacy restrictions or technical limitations
Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
Complete criminal history information is not available to the general public online
Verification of information found online should be conducted through official channels

For comprehensive arrest record information, individuals are encouraged to submit formal requests through the procedures outlined in the previous section.

How To Search Cape May County Arrest Records for Free?

Cape May County residents and members of the public may access certain arrest record information without incurring fees through several available resources. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:

In-Person Inspection - Under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act, individuals have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no cost. Requestors may visit the Cape May County Sheriff's Office or the records division of the relevant municipal police department to review arrest records without charge. While inspection is free, copying fees will apply if physical copies are requested.
Cape May County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online database of current inmates at the Cape May County Correctional Center. This resource provides basic information about individuals currently in custody, including charges and booking information.
Cape May County Sheriff's Office Website - The Sheriff's Office periodically posts information about significant arrests and law enforcement activities on their official website. These press releases are available to the public at no cost.
New Jersey Courts Public Access - The New Jersey Judiciary offers free online access to basic case information through their public portal. Users can search for criminal cases by name to find information about arrests that have proceeded to court.
Public Library Resources - Local public libraries in Cape May County often provide free computer access and assistance with navigating government websites to access public records.

When utilizing free resources to search for arrest records, requestors should be prepared to provide:

Full name of the individual (including possible aliases)
Approximate date of arrest or incident
Date of birth or age (if known)
Case numbers (if available)

It is important to note that while basic arrest record information may be accessed for free, comprehensive criminal history reports and certified copies of records typically require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, commercial background check services that aggregate arrest record information generally charge for their services and may not provide complete or accurate information.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Cape May County

In New Jersey, including Cape May County, arrest records cannot be "deleted" in the literal sense, but they may be legally expunged or sealed under specific circumstances. Expungement effectively removes records from public access, while sealing restricts who can view the records without completely removing them.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1, expungement provides for the extraction and isolation of records on file with any court, detention or correctional facility, law enforcement agency, or criminal justice agency. The expungement process is governed by New Jersey's expungement statute, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.

Arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:

Arrests that did not lead to conviction - If charges were dismissed, the individual was acquitted, or prosecution was not pursued, the arrest record may be eligible for immediate expungement.
Convictions for certain offenses - After specified waiting periods (generally 5-6 years for indictable offenses, 3-4 years for disorderly persons offenses), many convictions become eligible for expungement.
Drug court graduates - Special provisions exist for individuals who successfully complete drug court programs.
Clean Slate Expungement - New Jersey's "clean slate" law allows for expungement of multiple offenses after a 10-year waiting period if other conditions are met.
Marijuana-related offenses - Recent legislation provides for expedited expungement of certain marijuana-related arrests and convictions.

The process to expunge records in Cape May County involves:

Obtaining certified copies of all relevant court dispositions
Preparing an expungement petition and supporting documents
Filing the petition with the Superior Court of New Jersey in Cape May County
Serving copies on all relevant agencies
Attending a hearing (if required)
Distributing the expungement order if granted

Individuals seeking expungement may utilize the New Jersey Courts Expungement Resources which provides forms, instructions, and eligibility information. The Cape May County Superior Court is located at:

Cape May County Superior Court
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 463-6500
New Jersey Courts - Cape May Vicinage
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

It is important to note that certain serious offenses, including homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and perjury, are generally not eligible for expungement under New Jersey law. Additionally, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies for certain purposes, though they are removed from public access.

What Happens After Arrest in Cape May County?

The post-arrest process in Cape May County follows a structured sequence of events within New Jersey's criminal justice system. Understanding this process helps individuals navigate the system effectively:

Booking and Processing - Following arrest, individuals are transported to a police station or the Cape May County Correctional Center for booking. This process includes photographing, fingerprinting, personal information collection, and criminal history checking. Personal property is inventoried and secured.
Initial Detention Decision - Under New Jersey's Criminal Justice Reform Act, which eliminated cash bail for most offenses, a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) is conducted to determine if the arrestee should be:
- Released on their own recognizance
- Released with conditions
- Detained pending trial
First Appearance/Central Judicial Processing (CJP) - Within 48 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a judge, typically via video conference from the jail. At this hearing:
- Charges are formally read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Public defender representation is arranged if needed
- Pretrial release or detention is determined
Pretrial Detention Hearing - If the prosecutor moves for detention, a hearing must be held within 3-5 days. The judge determines whether the defendant will be released or detained based on:
- Risk of flight
- Danger to the community
- Risk of obstruction of justice
Indictment Process - For indictable offenses (felony equivalents), the case proceeds to the grand jury, which determines if sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment. This must occur within 90 days for detained defendants.
Arraignment - If indicted, defendants are arraigned in Superior Court where they enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
Pre-Indictment Conference/Pre-Trial Conference - These conferences provide opportunities for plea negotiations and case resolution before trial.
Discovery - The prosecution must provide evidence to the defense, including police reports, witness statements, and other relevant materials.
Motion Hearings - The court considers legal arguments regarding evidence admissibility, constitutional issues, and other pretrial matters.
Trial or Plea - Cases proceed to trial before a judge or jury, or are resolved through plea agreements.
Sentencing - If convicted, sentencing follows according to New Jersey's sentencing guidelines, which may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
Appeal - Defendants have 45 days from sentencing to file an appeal with the Appellate Division of the Superior Court.

Throughout this process, cases may be diverted to specialized programs such as Drug Court, Veterans Court, or Mental Health Court when appropriate. These programs focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment for eligible offenders.

The Cape May County Prosecutor's Office oversees prosecution of indictable offenses, while municipal prosecutors handle disorderly persons offenses in local courts.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cape May County?

Arrest records in Cape May County are maintained according to New Jersey's records retention requirements, which are established by the State Records Committee under the authority of N.J.S.A. 47:3-26. These requirements specify minimum retention periods for various types of law enforcement and criminal justice records.

The retention periods for arrest records vary based on the type of record and the outcome of the case:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information
- For adults: Minimum of 75 years from date of arrest
- For juveniles: Until age 23 if no conviction; longer for serious offenses
Criminal Investigation Case Files
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Sexual crimes: 75 years
- Other indictable crimes: 25 years after case closure
- Disorderly persons offenses: 5 years after case closure
Fingerprint Records
- Retained by the New Jersey State Police and FBI indefinitely unless expunged
Mugshot Photographs
- Maintained for the same duration as the corresponding arrest records
- Subject to expungement if the underlying record is expunged
Court Records Related to Arrests
- Indictable offenses: 75 years
- Disorderly persons: 15 years
- Petty disorderly persons: 5 years
- Dismissed cases: 3 years (though eligible for earlier expungement)

Different agencies within Cape May County maintain separate record systems with potentially different retention practices, though all must comply with the minimum state requirements:

The Cape May County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records related to their operations
Municipal police departments keep records of arrests they conduct
The Cape May County Prosecutor's Office maintains records of prosecuted cases
The Cape May County Correctional Center keeps records of all individuals processed through their facility

It is important to note that even after the official retention period expires, records may continue to exist in various databases and systems. Additionally, private companies that collect and republish criminal record information may maintain their own copies indefinitely.

The only formal mechanism to remove arrest records before their scheduled destruction is through the expungement process outlined in N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 et seq., which legally isolates and removes records from public access.

How to Find Mugshots in Cape May County

Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are taken during the arrest booking process to document the appearance of arrested individuals. In Cape May County, these photographs are maintained as part of official arrest records.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of arrested individuals, taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These photographs serve several law enforcement purposes:

Documenting the arrestee's appearance at the time of booking
Assisting in identification of individuals in custody
Creating a visual record for the case file
Enabling identification by witnesses or victims when necessary

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Cape May County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

The arresting law enforcement agency (municipal police departments or Sheriff's Office)
The Cape May County Correctional Center for individuals who are booked into the facility
The Cape May County Prosecutor's Office as part of case files

Finding Mugshots

Access to mugshots in Cape May County is governed by the New Jersey Open Public Records Act. To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals may:

Submit an OPRA request to the appropriate law enforcement agency, specifically requesting the booking photograph. The request should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case or arrest number (if available)
Contact the Cape May County Sheriff's Office Records Division:

Cape May County Sheriff's Office Records Division
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 463-6430
Cape May County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

Unlike some jurisdictions, Cape May County law enforcement agencies do not routinely publish mugshots online. However, mugshots may appear online through:

Press releases issued by law enforcement agencies for significant cases
News media coverage of arrests
Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from various sources

It is important to note that New Jersey has enacted legislation (N.J.S.A. 2A:58D-4) that prohibits commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots. This law aims to prevent exploitation of individuals whose mugshots appear online.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through a formal OPRA request. Agencies typically charge standard copying fees for providing mugshot photographs, currently $0.05 per letter-size page for paper copies or the actual cost of materials for electronic copies.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrest records and mugshots are confidential under New Jersey law
Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Expunged records, including associated mugshots, are removed from public access
Certain domestic violence and sexual assault cases may have restricted access

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these photographs are generally considered public records, their publication and use may have significant privacy implications for the individuals depicted.