New Jersey is a state with various inmate lookup options, designed to provide the public with accessible information on the individuals incarcerated within its jurisdiction. These inmate lookup options can help families, friends, or interested parties locate an inmate in state prisons, county jails, and federal prisons. This article aims to describe the numerous ways to find inmates within these facilities, including the use of the VINE search system.
The first option for locating an inmate in a New Jersey state prison is through the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) website. The NJDOC offers a free, online inmate locator that can be accessed by visiting their webpage. To perform a search, you will need the inmate's first and last name or the State Identification Number (SID). The search results will provide the inmate's current facility, their SID, and their custody status.
In addition to state prisons, many inmates are housed in county jails throughout New Jersey. Each county typically maintains its own inmate lookup system on the respective Sheriff's Office website. For example, Bergen County has an online inmate locator, while Essex County provides a PDF list of inmates updated daily. To find an inmate in a county jail, it is essential to visit the specific county's Sheriff's Office website and follow the instructions provided for the inmate lookup.
For inmates in federal prisons, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offers a nationwide search tool called the Inmate Locator. This online tool can be used to locate an inmate in any federal prison within the United States. The BOP's Inmate Locator requires either the inmate's first and last name, BOP Register Number, or DCDC Number to perform a search. Once the information is entered, the system will display the inmate's current location, their release date, and other pertinent details.
Another valuable resource for inmate lookup is the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system. VINE is a free, confidential service that allows crime victims and concerned citizens to obtain timely and reliable information about criminal cases and the custody status of offenders. VINE is available in multiple languages and offers multiple methods for notifications, including phone, email, and text message alerts.
To use the VINE system, you can visit the VINE website or download the VINE mobile app. You will need the offender's name or their identification number, which can be either the SID or the BOP Register Number. After locating the offender, you can register for notifications to stay informed about their custody status. VINE also provides access to resources such as local victim assistance programs, crisis hotlines, and other support services for crime victims.
