Cape May County Public Records /Cape May County Inmate Search

Cape May County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Cape May County?

Inmate records in Cape May County are official government documents maintained by the Cape May County Sheriff's Office and Corrections Division that document the custody, care, and control of individuals incarcerated within county correctional facilities. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals from their initial booking through their release from custody.

Pursuant to New Jersey Administrative Code § 10A:31-6.5, correctional facilities must maintain detailed records on each person committed to their custody. These records are distinct from court records, which document legal proceedings and are maintained by the judiciary. While court records focus on case proceedings, inmate records specifically document an individual's status within the correctional system.

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, where demographic information, photographs, fingerprints, and initial charge information are collected. Throughout an individual's incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical information, visitation logs, and other relevant custody details. Upon release, records are finalized with discharge information but remain in the Cape May County Corrections Division archives.

The New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), codified under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq., establishes the framework for public access to government records, including certain aspects of inmate records, while balancing privacy and security concerns inherent to correctional settings.

Are Inmate Records Public In Cape May County?

Inmate records in Cape May County are partially accessible to the public under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.). This statute establishes that government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by citizens of New Jersey, with certain exceptions for privacy, security, and operational concerns.

The New Jersey Department of Corrections Administrative Code further specifies which inmate information may be disclosed to the public. Under current regulations, the following inmate record components are generally available for public access:

Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
Basic demographic information (name, age, gender)
Booking date and time
Primary charges
Bond/bail amounts
Scheduled court dates
Expected release dates
Current housing facility

However, certain components of inmate records are explicitly exempt from public disclosure under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, including:

Medical and mental health information
Social security numbers and other personal identifiers
Detailed disciplinary records
Information that would jeopardize facility security
Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)

The Cape May County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate information system that provides basic custody information in compliance with state transparency requirements while protecting sensitive information.

What's Included Inmate Records in Cape May County

Inmate records maintained by the Cape May County Corrections Division contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Fingerprints and other biometric data
Last known address

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Arresting agency
Intake assessment documentation
Housing assignment history
Classification status
Disciplinary incidents and hearings
Grievances filed
Program participation
Visitation logs

Charge Information:

Current charges (statute numbers and descriptions)
Charge severity (indictable offense, disorderly persons offense)
Warrant numbers
Case numbers
Arresting jurisdiction

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount and type
Bond status (posted, not posted)
Bail conditions
Detainers from other jurisdictions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned
Scheduled court appearances
Court transport records

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Sentence length and terms
Credit for time served
Parole eligibility date
Maximum release date
Special conditions imposed by court

Release Information:

Scheduled release date
Actual release date and time
Release type (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
Post-release supervision requirements

These records are maintained in accordance with N.J.A.C. 10A:31-6.5, which establishes minimum record-keeping standards for county correctional facilities throughout New Jersey.

Cape May County Prison System

The Cape May County correctional system operates under the authority of the Cape May County Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the custody, care, and control of individuals remanded to county custody. The system primarily consists of the Cape May County Correctional Center, which serves as the central detention facility for the county.

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 30:8-16, the Cape May County correctional facility houses individuals awaiting trial, those serving sentences for disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses, and individuals serving county jail sentences of up to 364 days. Persons convicted of more serious offenses with longer sentences are transferred to the custody of the New Jersey Department of Corrections to serve their terms in state prison facilities.

The Cape May County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division is responsible for the administration and operation of the county correctional facility, including inmate supervision, facility security, inmate programming, and record-keeping functions.

Cape May County Sheriff's Office
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Phone: (609) 463-6430
Cape May County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office operates in coordination with the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office, the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the proper administration of justice and maintenance of public safety throughout the county.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Cape May County

Cape May County maintains a consolidated correctional system centered around a single primary facility that serves multiple detention functions. The county's correctional infrastructure includes:

Cape May County Correctional Center
125 Crest Haven Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Phone: (609) 465-1233
Cape May County Corrections Division

The Cape May County Correctional Center serves as a multi-classification facility that houses:

Pre-trial Detention Units: Housing for individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or adjudication of their cases. These units maintain separate housing areas for male and female detainees, with further classification based on security risk assessments.
Sentenced Population Units: Designated housing for individuals serving court-imposed sentences of up to 364 days, as prescribed under N.J.S.A. 2C:43-10.
Special Housing Units: Specialized housing areas for inmates requiring additional supervision or services, including:
- Medical observation units
- Mental health housing
- Administrative segregation
- Disciplinary detention
- Protective custody
Work Release Section: A minimum-security unit for qualifying low-risk sentenced inmates who participate in community employment programs while serving their sentences, as authorized under N.J.S.A. 30:8-44.

The facility operates under the direct supervision model of inmate management and is accredited by the New Jersey County Jail Wardens Association. The Correctional Center maintains comprehensive security systems, including perimeter controls, video surveillance, and contraband detection equipment to ensure facility safety and security.

Who's in Prison In Cape May County

The Cape May County Correctional Center houses a diverse population of individuals who fall under county jurisdiction for detention purposes. The facility population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses but have not yet been convicted. These detainees may be held in custody because:
- They have not posted bail or bond
- They were denied bail due to public safety concerns
- They are awaiting transfer to another jurisdiction
- They have violated conditions of pre-trial release
Sentenced Offenders: Individuals serving court-imposed sentences for:
- Disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors)
- Petty disorderly persons offenses
- Certain fourth-degree and third-degree crimes with sentences of 364 days or less
- Probation violations resulting in custodial sanctions
Specialized Populations:
- Individuals held on civil commitments
- Individuals detained on immigration holds
- Weekender inmates serving intermittent sentences
- Work release participants

According to data from the Cape May County Corrections Division, the facility typically houses between 150-200 inmates, with population fluctuations based on seasonal arrest patterns, court processing timelines, and criminal justice policy changes.

The demographic composition of the inmate population generally reflects individuals arrested within Cape May County's jurisdiction, which includes 16 municipalities. The average length of stay varies significantly based on case type, with pre-trial detainees potentially remaining in custody for several months while their cases proceed through the court system, and sentenced inmates serving terms up to the 364-day maximum for county-level incarceration.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Cape May County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Cape May County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems that provide public access to basic inmate custody information while protecting confidential data. Interested parties may conduct searches through the following channels:

Online Inmate Lookup System:

Visit the Cape May County Current Inmate Information portal
Enter the required search criteria (last name, first name, or booking number)
Review the results, which typically include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Housing facility
- Expected release date (if applicable)

In-Person Record Requests:

Visit the Cape May County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
Complete an inmate record request form
Provide proper identification
Pay applicable fees for copies of records

Cape May County Sheriff's Office Records Division
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Phone: (609) 463-6430

Written Requests:

Submit a formal Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request to the Cape May County Records Custodian
Include specific information about the inmate (full name, approximate booking date)
Specify the records being requested
Provide contact information for response
Allow up to seven business days for processing as specified under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5

Cape May County Clerk's Office
7 North Main Street
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Phone: (609) 465-1010

For historical inmate records that are no longer active in the current system, requestors may need to contact the Cape May County Jail Records department directly. These archived records may require additional processing time and may have different fee structures for retrieval and copying.

How To Find an Inmate in Cape May County for Free?

Cape May County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody within the county correctional system. These free resources are designed to assist family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties in determining an individual's custody status and location.

Cape May County Online Inmate Lookup:

Access the Cape May County Current Inmate Information website
No account creation or login is required
Enter the inmate's last name in the search field
For more specific results, include first name or booking number if known
Review the list of matching records
The system provides basic custody information including charges and bail status

Telephone Information Line:

Call the Cape May County Correctional Center's general information line at (609) 465-1233
Follow the automated prompts for inmate information
Provide the full name of the person you are inquiring about
Basic custody status information will be provided if the individual is currently in custody

Visiting the Facility:

Go to the Cape May County Correctional Center during regular business hours
Speak with staff at the information desk
Provide the name of the person you are inquiring about
Staff can confirm if the individual is in custody and provide visiting information

Cape May County Correctional Center
125 Crest Haven Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Phone: (609) 465-1233

For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the New Jersey Department of Corrections Offender Search provides a free online database of all inmates housed in state facilities.

These free search methods provide basic custody information only. More detailed records may require formal requests and associated fees as outlined in the county's OPRA fee schedule.

How To Visit an Inmate In Cape May County

Visitation at the Cape May County Correctional Center is governed by established protocols designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important family and community connections for incarcerated individuals. All visits must comply with the facility's visitation policy, which is established pursuant to N.J.A.C. 10A:31-20.

Visit Schedule:

General Population: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday
Morning sessions: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Afternoon sessions: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Evening sessions (Wednesday only): 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Special Housing Units: Tuesdays by appointment only
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy): Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Visit Rules and Procedures:

Visitors must arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation period
All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Maximum of two visitors per inmate per session
Visits are limited to 30 minutes during regular sessions
All visitors must successfully clear security screening

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification
Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
Medications needed during visit (must be declared)
Baby supplies if visiting with infant (limited to one clear bottle, two diapers, one small blanket)

What NOT to Bring:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Cameras or recording equipment
Weapons of any kind
Food or beverages
Tobacco products
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $50

Dress Code:

Conservative attire required
No revealing clothing (no shorts above knee, no tank tops, no low-cut tops)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
No excessively baggy clothing
Appropriate footwear required (no flip-flops)

Visit Types:

Contact visits: Available for general population inmates in good standing
Non-contact visits: Conducted through glass partitions with telephone communication
Professional visits: Separate rooms for confidential attorney-client meetings
Special visits: May be arranged for exceptional circumstances with advance approval

Visit Restrictions:

Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
Persons on probation or parole must obtain written permission
Visitors with criminal histories may be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
Three missed scheduled visits may result in visitation privileges suspension

For current visitation information and to schedule visits, contact:

Cape May County Correctional Center Visitation Office
125 Crest Haven Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Phone: (609) 465-1233 ext. 2

How To Send Money to a Cape May County Inmate

Cape May County Correctional Center provides multiple secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses. All financial transactions are processed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 10A:31-21, which governs inmate accounts and financial procedures.

Online Deposits:

Visit the facility's authorized online payment processor website
Create an account or log in
Select "Cape May County Correctional Center" as the facility
Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
Enter payment amount and complete transaction with credit/debit card
Service fees apply (typically 3-5% of deposit amount)
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours

Lobby Kiosk Deposits:

Visit the Cape May County Correctional Center during regular business hours
Locate the automated payment kiosk in the facility lobby
Follow on-screen instructions to deposit funds
Cash, credit cards, and debit cards accepted
Minimal service fees apply
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 1-2 hours

Mail Money Orders:

Purchase a money order from an approved vendor (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
Make payable to "Cape May County Correctional Center"
Write inmate's full name and ID number in memo line
Include sender's full name and address
Mail to:

Cape May County Correctional Center
Inmate Accounts Department
125 Crest Haven Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
Maximum account balance: $1,000.00

What Money Can Be Used For:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls
Electronic messaging services
Approved educational materials
Medical co-pays
Restitution payments (if court-ordered)

What Money Cannot Be Used For:

Bail or bond payments
Court fees or fines (unless specifically authorized)
Transfer to other inmates' accounts
Purchase of prohibited items
Payment for services not approved by facility administration

Inmates are provided with regular account statements showing deposits, withdrawals, and current balance. Questions regarding inmate accounts should be directed to the Inmate Accounts Department at (609) 465-1233 ext. 3.

How To Send Jail Mail In Cape May County

Correspondence with inmates at the Cape May County Correctional Center must adhere to specific guidelines established to maintain facility security and operational efficiency. All mail procedures comply with N.J.A.C. 10A:31-19, which establishes standards for inmate correspondence in county correctional facilities.

Regular Mail Guidelines:

Address all correspondence as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, ID Number
Cape May County Correctional Center
125 Crest Haven Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Include a complete return address with sender's full name
Use standard white envelopes only
All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and screened for contraband
Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
Mail is typically distributed to inmates within 24 hours of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays

Permitted Items:

Letters on plain white paper
Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
Money orders (following financial deposit procedures)
Legal documents
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Religious materials (subject to review)
Drawings from children on plain paper

Prohibited Items:

Packages of any kind
Padded or oversized envelopes
Colored paper or envelopes
Plastic, metal, or wooden items
Stickers or adhesive labels
Perfumed or scented items
Polaroid photographs
Crayon or marker drawings
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Food items or clothing
Explicit or gang-related materials

Publications and Books:

Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor
Publications must be paperback only (no hardcover books)
Maximum of 3 books or magazines per mailing
All publications are subject to content review
Materials containing prohibited content will be rejected

Electronic Messaging (if available):

Create an account on the facility's approved electronic messaging platform
Purchase messaging credits
Compose and send messages following system guidelines
Messages are subject to review before delivery
Attachments are generally not permitted

All correspondence is subject to inspection and may be rejected if it violates facility rules or poses security concerns. Senders will be notified if mail is rejected, with an explanation of the reason for rejection. Questions regarding mail procedures should be directed to the Mail Room Supervisor at (609) 465-1233 ext. 4.