Somerset County NJ Jail

County Jail

Last Updated: September 16, 2024
Address
20 Grove St, Somerville, NJ 08876
County
Somerset
Phone
908-231-7150
Fax
908-526-2558
Email
countyjail@co.somerset.nj.us

Somerset Co Jail is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is AccessCorrections There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of Somerset County NJ Jail

You can support your loved ones at Somerset Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 908-231-7150.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Somerset Co Jail is a detention center located at 20 Grove St Somerville, NJ which is operated locally by the Somerset County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Somerset County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Somerville Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for New Jersey here.

Effective June 1, 2024, Somerset County entered into a five-year contract with Morris County to house Somerset's longer-term detainees at the Morris County Correctional Facility. This agreement, developed after a year-long study to address the decreasing jail population, allows Somerset County to maintain limited operations at its jail for short-term detainees awaiting court hearings. However, those serving longer sentences or awaiting transport to other jurisdictions will be housed at the Morris County Jail.

The Somerset County Jail remains the primary holding facility for inmates awaiting trial, sentencing, or transport. It holds inmates temporarily while awaiting disposition of charges or permanently for sentences from municipal courts (up to 180 days) and superior courts (up to 364 days). The facility ensures the safety of both the public and inmates, providing secure confinement along with food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. Inmates are required to observe facility rules and regulations under the supervision of the Custody Staff, who ensure fair and impartial treatment.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Somerset County Jail also addresses substance use disorders through the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. Inmates who self-disclose or test positive for opioid or alcohol use are medically screened and, if qualified, can choose from several medications to support their recovery. This treatment is complemented by counseling and education, with post-release support offered to help inmates transition to community-based services for continued care.

The mission of the Somerset County Jail is to protect the community by securely holding individuals arrested, detained, or sentenced by the courts. The staff is dedicated to providing care and custody in an ethical, professional manner, ensuring the safety and well-being of all inmates under its supervision.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in New Jersey. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Somerset County NJ Jail.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

You may call 908-231-7150 Option 9 to inquire if the inmate you would like to visit is incarcerated at the Somerset County Jail or moved to the Morris County Correctional Facility.

You must call the Somerset County Jail at 908-231-7150 option 9 to schedule your time slot for any visitation. If you do not schedule a time slot you will not be granted a visit.

  • You must have the names of all parties attending the visit at the time of scheduling.
  • Those not on the list at the time of the visit will not be allowed entrance into the facility.
  • No more than (3) visitors will be allowed to enter the visiting booth.
  • Once time slots are filled for that day, all other requests will be denied.
  • Inmates will only be allowed 1 visit slot per visiting day
  • Visits can only be scheduled Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 300 p.m.
  • Future dates will not be filled any earlier than (4) days before the scheduled date of visitation.

Booth visits shall be no less than 30 minutes in length. Limitations on length or frequency shall be imposed only to avoid overcrowded conditions in the visit area. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older.

Visitors are required to produce proper identification upon admission to the jail. Examples of acceptable forms of identification are as follows: Any form of valid government identification such as a Driver’s License with photo, valid passport, County or NJDMV photo identification card, and original U.S. Department of State Birth Certificate. At least one form of identification MUST INCLUDE A PHOTOGRAPH. Subjects who cannot produce proper identification shall not be granted visitation.

All visitors will register in the visitor’s logbook and are subject to search. Unruly or disorderly visitors shall be removed immediately from the jail and if it warrants, their name shall be listed as not being allowed in the jail. Any inmate who is released from jail/prison will have to wait one year before he/she can visit an inmate in the jail unless the Warden has granted prior approval. Any inmate that is on parole or probation is not permitted.

Visiting Schedule

Female Inmate Personal Visit Schedule

  1. Female General Population Visits
    • Sunday: 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  2. Protective Custody Female Population Personal Visits
    • Monday: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  3. State Protective Custody Female Inmate
    • Monday: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Somerset County NJ Jail – Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I find out if someone is in Somerset County NJ Jail?
    To check if an individual is incarcerated at Somerset County NJ Jail, use the LOCATOR provided on the WEBSITE or call PRISON_PHONE for assistance. Some jails also have public inmate rosters accessible online.

  2. What are the visitation rules for Somerset County NJ Jail?
    Visitation at Somerset County NJ Jail is subject to facility guidelines. Visitors must be on an approved list, present valid photo identification, and comply with dress codes. Some jails offer in-person, video, or remote visitation through the PHONE_PROVIDER online app.

  3. How can I send money to an inmate at Somerset County NJ Jail?
    Inmate funds can be deposited via MONEY_PROVIDER, a lobby kiosk at PRISON_ADDRESS, or by mailing money orders. Visit WEBSITE for specific instructions on depositing funds.

  4. Can inmates at Somerset County NJ Jail make phone calls, and how does it work?
    Inmates at Somerset County NJ Jail can make outgoing calls using PHONE_PROVIDER. Calls may be prepaid or collect, and all calls are subject to monitoring for security purposes. Family and friends must set up an account with PHONE_PROVIDER.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Somerset County NJ Jail?
    Inmates can generally receive letters, photos, and books directly from approved retailers. However, care packages and other items must comply with Somerset County NJ Jail's mail policy, which can be reviewed on WEBSITE.

  6. How do I bail someone out of Somerset County NJ Jail?
    Bail can be posted at Somerset County NJ Jail using cash, credit, bail bonds, or property bonds, depending on the county’s policies. Contact PRISON_PHONE or visit the PRISON_COUNTY court website for exact procedures.

  7. What happens during the booking process at Somerset County NJ Jail?
    Upon arrival at Somerset County NJ Jail, individuals go through fingerprinting, mugshots, medical screening, and the recording of charges. They are then placed in a holding cell or assigned to housing based on classification.

  8. Can inmates receive medical care at Somerset County NJ Jail?
    Yes, Somerset County NJ Jail provides medical care, including routine checkups, emergency services, and prescribed medications. Some jails charge a co-pay for non-emergency visits.

  9. How long do inmates stay in Somerset County NJ Jail?
    Somerset County NJ Jail primarily houses individuals awaiting trial, serving sentences of one year or less, or being held for probation/parole violations. Longer sentences typically result in a transfer to a medium-security or higher state or federal facility.

  10. Can inmates be transferred from Somerset County NJ Jail to another facility?
    Yes, transfers occur based on court orders, sentencing requirements, security levels, or facility overcrowding. Inmates may be moved to another PRISON_TYPE_NAME in PRISON_STATE_NAME or a different jurisdiction.

  11. Are inmates at Somerset County NJ Jail allowed to work while incarcerated?
    Some inmates with a clean disciplinary record at Somerset County NJ Jail participate in work programs, such as kitchen or custodial duties, in exchange for sentence reductions or privileges. Eligible individuals may also qualify for work release programs.

  12. How can an inmate access legal resources while in Somerset County NJ Jail?
    Inmates have access to legal representation and may use the facility’s legal library or court-appointed attorneys. Some facilities provide additional legal assistance programs.

  13. Can I pick up property left behind by an inmate at Somerset County NJ Jail?
    Inmates may release personal property to an authorized individual. Arrangements must be made through jail staff, and identification is required. Contact PRISON_PHONE for details.

  14. What happens to mail sent to inmates at Somerset County NJ Jail?
    All incoming mail at Somerset County NJ Jail is screened for contraband. Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate but not read. Outgoing mail is also subject to review. Mail policies can be found on WEBSITE.

  15. Does Somerset County NJ Jail offer educational or rehabilitation programs?
    Many jails, including Somerset County NJ Jail, provide GED classes, drug rehabilitation, vocational training, and religious services. Program availability depends on the facility’s resources and policies.

  16. How do I report concerns about an inmate’s health or safety at Somerset County NJ Jail?
    If you have concerns about an inmate’s well-being, contact the facility’s medical staff or administration at PRISON_PHONE. Emergencies should be reported immediately.

  17. How does the commissary system work at Somerset County NJ Jail?
    Inmates can purchase snacks, hygiene products, and writing materials from the jail commissary using funds from their MONEY_PROVIDER account. Commissary orders are processed on designated days.

  18. What happens when an inmate is released from Somerset County NJ Jail?
    Inmates are typically released during scheduled hours. Some may have conditions upon release, such as probation check-ins. Release times and procedures vary by facility—call PRISON_PHONE for details.

  19. Can inmates send emails or text messages from Somerset County NJ Jail?
    Some county jails, including Somerset County NJ Jail, offer electronic messaging services through PHONE_PROVIDER. These services often require pre-approved contacts and may involve additional costs.

  20. How do I report a complaint or concern about Somerset County NJ Jail?
    Complaints can be directed to the PRISON_COUNTY Sheriff’s Office or the jail administrator. Reports of mistreatment or civil rights violations can also be filed with the appropriate oversight agency.

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