Atlantic County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Atlantic County
Arrest records in Atlantic County are considered public records pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), 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 confidentiality, privacy, and security concerns. Under current law, arrest records are generally accessible to members of the public, though specific elements may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or individual privacy rights.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under New Jersey law. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-3, information concerning an arrest is considered a government record that must be disclosed, including the arrestee's name, age, residence, occupation, marital status, and the charges filed.
The New Jersey Attorney General's Office has established specific guidelines regarding the release of arrest information through Directive 2021-5, which standardizes the information that law enforcement agencies may disclose following an arrest. These guidelines aim to balance public access rights with privacy protections and the integrity of ongoing investigations.
What's in Atlantic County Arrest Records
Atlantic County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Occupation (if provided)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (indictable offense, disorderly persons offense, etc.)
- Degree of charges (first degree, second degree, etc.)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Judge who signed the warrant
Booking Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Booking number
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bail conditions
- Whether bail was posted
- Method of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Case/docket number
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Criminal history summary
- Risk assessment scores
- Probation or parole status
- Protective orders or restraints
It is important to note that pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5, certain information may be redacted from arrest records before public disclosure, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information that would jeopardize the safety of any person or an investigation in progress.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Atlantic County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Atlantic County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains systems for both in-person and remote access to these public records. Individuals requesting arrest records should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the subject of the search to ensure accurate results.
To conduct an in-person search for arrest records:
- Visit the Atlantic County Clerk's Office during regular business hours.
Atlantic County Clerk's Office
5901 Main Street
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
609-625-4011
Atlantic County Clerk
- Complete a public records request form, which is available at the clerk's office or can be downloaded from the county website.
- Provide specific information about the individual, including full name and, if possible, date of birth.
- Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies. Fees are established pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5 and may vary based on the type and volume of records requested.
- Allow time for processing; some requests may be fulfilled immediately, while others may require additional time.
Alternatively, individuals may submit written requests:
- Prepare a written request that includes the requester's contact information and specific details about the records sought.
- Submit the request via mail, fax, or email to the Atlantic County Clerk's Office.
- Include payment for applicable fees or indicate willingness to pay fees upon notification of the amount.
- Await response, which by law must be provided within seven business days of receipt of the request.
For records specifically related to criminal matters, individuals may also contact:
Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office
4997 Unami Boulevard, Suite 2
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
609-909-7800
Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office
The prosecutor's office maintains records related to criminal prosecutions and may provide information about arrests that have led to formal charges within the county.
How To Find Atlantic County Arrest Records Online
Atlantic County provides digital access to certain arrest records through various online platforms. These electronic resources allow for efficient searching without the need to visit government offices in person. Currently, several official online resources are available for accessing arrest records in Atlantic County.
The primary online resource for Atlantic County arrest information is the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup system. This database provides information about individuals currently in custody or recently released. To use this system:
- Navigate to the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office website.
- Locate the "Inmate Information" or "Inmate Lookup" section.
- Enter the individual's name or identification number in the search fields.
- Review the results, which typically include booking information, charges, and custody status.
For court-related information associated with arrests, the New Jersey Courts Public Access System offers searchable databases of court records. This system provides:
- Case information for matters filed in Atlantic County courts
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case dispositions and outcomes
- Court orders related to criminal cases
Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Corrections Offender Search provides information about individuals who have been sentenced to state prison following conviction. This database includes:
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Sentence information
- Projected release dates
Users of these online systems should note that pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1.1, certain information may be redacted or restricted from public view to protect privacy interests or sensitive information. Furthermore, the most recent arrest information may not be immediately available online, as systems require time for data entry and processing.
How To Search Atlantic County Arrest Records for Free?
Atlantic County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest records without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. These no-cost options provide basic information about arrests and criminal proceedings within the county.
The Atlantic County Jail Inmate Lookup service is available at no charge and provides information about individuals currently in custody. This free resource includes:
- Inmate name and identification number
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Custody status
- Scheduled court dates
To access this information:
- Visit the Atlantic County Justice Facility website
- Navigate to the inmate search function
- Enter the individual's name or identification number
- Review the results displayed on screen
The New Jersey Judiciary Public Access system also offers free searches for basic case information related to arrests in Atlantic County. This system provides:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charges filed
- Case status
- Scheduled court events
- Case dispositions
Local law enforcement agencies in Atlantic County, including the Atlantic City Police Department, maintain public information about recent arrests on their websites or social media platforms. These resources typically include:
- Press releases about significant arrests
- Daily arrest logs (in some jurisdictions)
- Wanted persons information
For comprehensive research, the public may visit the following locations to conduct free in-person searches:
Atlantic County Law Library
5901 Main Street
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
609-625-7000
Atlantic County Law Library
Atlantic County Criminal Case Management Office
4997 Unami Boulevard
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
609-402-0100
New Jersey Courts
While basic searches are available at no cost, fees may apply for copies of documents or certified records pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5. Additionally, commercial background check services may charge fees for comprehensive arrest record searches.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Atlantic County
Under New Jersey law, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-1 et seq., which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.
Expungement represents the complete removal of records from public access, while sealing limits access to specific authorized entities while maintaining the records' existence. The distinction is important, as expunged records are treated as if the arrest never occurred, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.
Arrest records may be eligible for expungement in Atlantic County under the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not lead to a conviction (dismissal, acquittal, or no formal charges filed)
- The conviction was for certain eligible offenses after the required waiting period
- The individual received and successfully completed a diversionary program
- The conviction was for certain marijuana-related offenses eligible under recent reforms
The process for expungement in Atlantic County involves these steps:
- Determine eligibility under current New Jersey expungement law
- Obtain criminal history information from the New Jersey State Police
- Gather case information from the courts where charges were filed
- Prepare an expungement petition and supporting documents
- File the petition with the Superior Court in Atlantic County
- Serve copies of the petition on all required government agencies
- Attend any scheduled court hearings
- If granted, ensure all agencies comply with the expungement order
Atlantic County Superior Court
4997 Unami Boulevard
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
609-402-0100
New Jersey Courts
For individuals with limited financial resources, the Legal Services of New Jersey offers assistance with expungement applications. Additionally, the New Jersey Courts provide standardized forms for expungement petitions.
Recent legislative changes through the Clean Slate Law have expanded expungement eligibility and created pathways for automatic expungement of certain offenses after specified time periods. These reforms aim to reduce barriers to employment, housing, and education for individuals with criminal records.
What Happens After Arrest in Atlantic County?
Following an arrest in Atlantic County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New Jersey state law and court rules. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition.
The post-arrest process typically proceeds as follows:
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Booking and Processing: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a local police station or the Atlantic County Justice Facility for booking. This process includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Recording of alleged offenses
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
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Criminal Complaint and Charges: Law enforcement files a complaint-warrant or complaint-summons detailing the charges. For indictable offenses (felonies), complaints are forwarded to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office for review.
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Pretrial Services Assessment: Pursuant to New Jersey's Criminal Justice Reform Act, a risk assessment is conducted to evaluate:
- Risk of failure to appear in court
- Risk to public safety
- Risk of obstruction of justice
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First Appearance/Central Judicial Processing (CJP): Within 48 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a judge for:
- Review of charges
- Advisement of rights
- Pretrial release decision
- Appointment of counsel if eligible
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Pretrial Detention Hearing: For defendants whom prosecutors seek to detain, a hearing must be held within 3-5 days to determine if detention is warranted pending trial.
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Indictment Process: For indictable offenses, the prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury, which determines if probable cause exists to issue an indictment.
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Arraignment: Following indictment, defendants are formally presented with charges and enter an initial plea.
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Pre-Indictment Conference (PIC)/Pre-Trial Conference: These hearings facilitate potential resolution through plea negotiations.
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Discovery: Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense.
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Motion Hearings: Legal issues may be addressed through motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
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Trial: If the case is not resolved through plea agreement, a trial is conducted before a judge or jury.
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Sentencing: Following conviction, the court imposes sentence based on New Jersey sentencing guidelines.
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Appeal: Defendants have the right to appeal convictions or sentences to the Appellate Division of Superior Court.
For less serious offenses (disorderly persons offenses), cases are typically handled in Atlantic County Municipal Courts with a streamlined process. The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office provides detailed information about the criminal justice process specific to Atlantic County.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Atlantic County?
Arrest records in Atlantic County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the New Jersey Division of Archives and Records Management pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:3-26. These schedules mandate specific timeframes for the preservation of law enforcement and court records.
Under current New Jersey records retention requirements:
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Law Enforcement Arrest Records: Police departments and the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office must retain adult arrest records for a minimum of 75 years from the date of arrest. This includes arrest reports, fingerprint cards, photographs, and related documentation.
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Criminal Investigation Files: Records related to criminal investigations must be maintained for a minimum of 75 years for major crimes and 3 years after case closure for non-major offenses.
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Court Records: The Atlantic County Superior Court Criminal Division maintains case files according to the following schedule:
- Indictable offense cases: 75 years from date of final disposition
- Dismissed cases: 3 years from date of dismissal
- Conditional discharge records: 3 years after successful completion
-
Prosecutor's Office Records: The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office maintains case files for 75 years for indictable offenses and 15 years for non-indictable matters.
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Correctional Facility Records: The Atlantic County Justice Facility maintains inmate records for 15 years after the inmate's release or transfer.
These extended retention periods serve several important purposes:
- Preservation of evidence for potential post-conviction proceedings
- Documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Statistical analysis and research on criminal justice trends
- Historical documentation of law enforcement activities
- Accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
It is important to note that expungement orders supersede these retention schedules. When a court grants an expungement pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-1 et seq., the agencies must remove or segregate the records regardless of the standard retention period.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records, though the methods of storage and security protocols may differ. The New Jersey Administrative Code provides detailed guidance on the proper maintenance and eventual disposition of these records.
How to Find Mugshots in Atlantic County
Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are maintained as part of arrest records in Atlantic County. These images serve both administrative and identification purposes within the criminal justice system.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile photographs of arrested individuals, taken under standardized conditions to document appearance at the time of arrest. These photographs become part of the official arrest record and booking documentation.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Atlantic County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- The arresting law enforcement agency (municipal police departments, Atlantic County Sheriff's Office)
- The Atlantic County Justice Facility for individuals who are booked into the county jail
- The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office as part of case files
- The New Jersey State Police in centralized criminal history repositories
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Atlantic County, individuals may:
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Submit a formal request under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Requests should include:
- The arrested individual's full name
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case or incident number (if available)
- Requester's contact information
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Contact the Atlantic County Justice Facility records department:
Atlantic County Justice Facility
5060 Atlantic Avenue
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
609-645-5855
Atlantic County Justice Facility
- Submit a request to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office for mugshots related to prosecuted cases:
Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office
4997 Unami Boulevard, Suite 2
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
609-909-7800
Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office
Can They Be Found Online
Unlike some jurisdictions, Atlantic County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing online databases of mugshots. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Press releases issued by law enforcement agencies for significant cases
- Media coverage of arrests and criminal proceedings
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from various sources
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The official process for obtaining mugshots requires:
- Submission of a completed OPRA request form
- Payment of applicable fees (typically $0.05 per page for standard copies)
- Verification of the requester's identity
- Compliance with any agency-specific procedures
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1.1, including:
- Cases involving juvenile arrestees
- Arrests related to domestic violence where disclosure could endanger victims
- Cases where release would compromise an ongoing investigation
- Situations where privacy concerns outweigh public interest in disclosure
- Expunged cases where records have been legally removed from public access
Law enforcement agencies must balance the public's right to access government records with privacy considerations and the presumption of innocence for arrested individuals who have not been convicted.