What are Paterson Public Records?
The New Jersey Open Records Act describes Paterson public records as information created, maintained, or received by a government agency in the course of its official business. The definition of public records includes documents, papers, written or printed books, photographs, microfilms, and information stored electronically. The act, however, provides for the following exemptions to the rule on public disclosure:
- Most medical examiner records
- Criminal investigatory records not required by law
- Records that identify victims of crimes
- Any record covered by attorney-client privilege
- Any information which would be advantageous to bidders or competitors if disclosed
- All records ordered sealed by a court
- Records that contain personal identifying information
- Records of ongoing investigations if the disclosure is not in the public interest
- Trade secrets and proprietary information
Paterson Crime Statistics
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) publishes annual crime data for Paterson through its Uniform Reporting (UCR) Program. In 2019, the UCR reported a total of 4,351 crimes, including 1,219 violent crimes and 3,132 property crimes. Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter was the least common violent crime with 19 cases. Others include 54 cases of rape, 464 robberies, and 682 cases of aggravated assault, the most common crime.
For property crimes, larceny-theft was the most committed, with 1,829 reported cases. The UCR also reported 847 burglaries, 456 motor vehicle thefts, and 24 cases of arson. Compared to recorded figures in 2018, Paterson's crime rate fell by more than 6%.
Are Paterson Criminal Records Public?
Under New Jersey law, Paterson criminal records are not public information. The law restricts access to criminal history record information to the following:
- The person named on the record
- Government entities for official purposes
- Private persons or entities in determining an individual's eligibility for employment or volunteer work
- Attorneys for contested matters in court
- Private detectives
Eligible persons may obtain Paterson criminal records from the New Jersey State Police (NJSP). Depending on the requestor's eligibility, criminal record checks may be name-based or fingerprint-based.
How to Obtain Paterson Police Reports and Arrest Records
Public Paterson records, such as police reports and arrest records, are obtainable from the Paterson Police Department (PPD). Residents may request a police report by submitting an Open Records Request online, by mail, email, or fax. Records cost 5 cents per letter-sized page and 7 cents per legal-sized page.
An interested party may submit online by filling the provided form on the PPD's website with personal details, contact information, and a description of the desired record. The request should contain as many specifics as available, such as the names of involved parties, time and date of the incident, location of the incident, and other details. Paterson residents may also send written requests to the city clerk or visit in person using the following details:
Office of the Paterson City Clerk
City Hall, 3rd Floor
155 Market Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
Email: oprarequest@patersonnj.gov
Phone: (973) 321-1310
Fax: (973) 321-1311
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Paterson
The New Jersey State Police maintains an online registry for sex offenders residing in Paterson and other parts of the state. Residents may search the statewide database by name, address, city, and zip code, and may also specify searches for non-compliant offenders. The online database contains general information on each registered sex offender, including a full name, known aliases, registration number, and physical description. Available information also contains a booking photograph, offense details, warrants, and vehicles owned. Furthermore, the platform allows Paterson residents to track each offender and receive relevant notifications.
How to Find Paterson Inmate Records
The Passaic County Sheriff's Office provides information on inmates in the county via a public inmate lookup function. Residents may find Paterson inmate records, including released inmates, by name or by one of the following inmate unique identifiers:
- Booking number
- Permanent number
- State ID
- County ID
- ICE number
- FBI number
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Passaic County Jail?
Visitation schedules at the Passaic County jail depend on the type of visitor. The facility allows personal visits every day, except Wednesdays. Actual visitation timing varies from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, depending on the chosen day of the week. On the other hand, inmates may receive attorneys every day, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, and 5:30 pm to 10 pm. All visitors must schedule visits at least one day in advance. Interested persons may also schedule visits by calling or visit the facility:
Passaic County Jail
11 Marshall Street
Paterson, NJ O7501
Phone: (862) 239-7089
The Passaic County Jail will not entertain same-day visits except for attorneys. In addition to on-site visits, all visitors also have the option of video visitations.
Court Records
Part of the New Jersey Judiciary, Passaic County has a Superior and Surrogate Court, which both sit in Paterson. The Superior Court is the county's highest court, with general jurisdiction over all matters. Although it has extensive jurisdiction, the Passaic County Superior Court may transfer tax-related cases to the New Jersey Tax Court if tax expertise is necessary.
The Passaic County Surrogate's Court also sits in Paterson and handles probate cases. These cases include appointing representatives and administrators to estates, appointing guardians for minors, and probate wills. There is also a Paterson Municipal Court in the city, with jurisdiction over municipal ordinance violations, motor vehicle and traffic matters not involving serious bodily injury or death, and disorderly person offenses. Municipal courts may also handle felony preliminary hearings.
Locations of Courts in Paterson
Passaic County Superior Court
Passaic County Courthouse
77 Hamilton Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
Phone: (973) 653-2910
Passaic County Surrogate's Court
Passaic County Courthouse
77 Hamilton Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
Phone: (973) 881-4760
Fax: (973) 523-3449
Email: surrogateinfo@passaiccountynj.org
Paterson Municipal Court
111 Broadway
Paterson, NJ 07505
Phone: (973) 321-1515
Are Paterson Court Records Public?
New Jersey law allows for public disclosure of most Paterson court records. Except ordered sealed or considered private by law, residents are free to request copies of court records from the courts in Paterson. However, not all Paterson court records are open to public disclosure. Access to juvenile and adoption records is mostly restricted to persons involved, attorneys, or other legal representatives.
Can You Look up a Paterson Court Case Online?
The New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts provides online access to statewide court records through the Electronic Access Program (EAP). Information accessible on the EAP includes case and judgment details. Requestors may access a list of filed documents, scheduled proceedings, orders, motion dispositions, details on litigants, litigant status, and case attorneys. The EAP features the following systems for different case types:
- Automated Case Management System (ACMS)
- Civil Judgment and Order Docket
- Family Automated Case Tracking System (FACTS)
- Automated Traffic System (ATS)
Interested persons may gain access to the EAP by submitting a completed enrollment form to:
Electronic Access Program
Superior Court Clerk's Office
P.O. Box 971
Trenton, NJ 08625
How to Obtain Paterson Court Case Records
All non-confidential Paterson court records are available to the general public upon request. An interested party may access these records by completing a records request form. Complete the form by describing the desired record in detail, include the requestor's contact information, and specify the preferred delivery method. Residents may obtain the following types of copies:
- Plain
- Certified
- Certified with a court seal
- Exemplified
- Triple exemplified
- Apostille
Each record costs 5 cents per letter-sized page or 7 cents per legal-sized page. However, applicable fees may depend on the requested type. For civil, criminal, and family division records, send the request to:
Passaic County Superior Court
Passaic County Courthouse
77 Hamilton Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
Phone: (973) 653-2910
Paterson residents may also visit the Passaic County Courthouse to obtain copies of records in person. Furthermore, the courthouse maintains public access terminals where requestors may inspect records for free without obtaining copies. For municipal court records, send the request to:
Paterson Municipal Court
111 Broadway
Paterson, NJ 07505
Phone: (973) 321-1515
What are Paterson Vital Records?
Paterson vital records are government-generated records that contain information on major life events in the city. Vital records include recorded information on marriages, divorces, deaths, and births. Paterson vital records are available from the Passaic County Superior Court and the Paterson Division of Health. Note that the general public may not gain access to most vital records.
Where and How to Obtain Paterson Divorce Records
The Passaic County Superior Court maintains records of all divorces that take place in the county. The court issues copies of divorce records, including Judgments of Divorce and Certificates of Divorce, to interested parties. To order, send a written request to the Superior Court, specifying the desired divorce record. The request should contain the names of both parties, date of divorce, and other judgment details. Send the request to the court or visit in person at:
Passaic County Superior Court
Passaic County Courthouse
77 Hamilton Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
Phone: (973) 653-2910
Requestors may visit the Superior Court to obtain records in person. Passaic divorce records are also accessible online via the Family Automated Case Tracking System (FACTS) under the Electronic Access Program (EAP).
Where and How to Get Marriage Records in Paterson
The City of Paterson Division of Health maintains records of all marriages that occur in the city. Through its Vital Statistics department, the Division of Health issues copies of marriage certificates to all eligible requestors. The Vital Statistics department will only issue certified copies of marriage records to:
- Either party to the marriage
- Parent, legal representative, or legal guardian
- Spouse of legal age
- Child or grandchild of legal age
- Sibling of legal age
If eligible, the requestor must submit a completed copy of a request form. The form must carry each spouse's full name, the exact date of marriage, and the place of the event. The first copy of a marriage record costs $25. For each additional copy of the same record ordered on the same day, the cost is $5. Enclose the completed form with a check or money order for the applicable amount, and a copy of a valid government-issued ID. Note that the Division of Health may take up to four weeks to process mail orders. Send the documents by mail to:
The City of Paterson
Division of Health
Vital Statistics Program
176 Broadway
Paterson, NJ 07505
Residents may also purchase Paterson marriage certificates over the counter at the above address. Visit the Division of Health on a weekday, from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm.
Where and How to Find Paterson Birth Records
Birth records are not public information in Paterson. The Paterson Division of Health processes requests for copies of birth records if the requestor is the person named on the record, either parent, or other persons who can prove a relationship with the registrant. An eligible party may download and complete a request form. Required information includes:
- Child's full name at birth
- Date and place of birth
- Child's new name if the name was changed
- Each parent's full name
Enclose the form with a copy of a valid government-issued ID. Include $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered on the same day. Send the documents to the Division of Health or visit at:
The City of Paterson
Division of Health
Vital Statistics Program
176 Broadway
Paterson, NJ 07505
Where and How to Find Paterson Death Records
Death records are requestable from the Vital Statistics department of the City of Paterson Division of Health. The Vital Statistics department only processes requests for Paterson death records from eligible persons, such as the decedent's spouse, attorney, legal representative, or any other person that can provide proof of a relationship with the decedent. Eligible persons may request records by mail or in person. To order by mail, complete a request form with the following information:
- Name of the decedent
- Place of death
- The exact date of death
- Full name of each of the decedent's parents
Each form costs $25. However, additional copies of the same form cost $5 if ordered on the same day. Visit the Division of Health for an in-person request or send the documents, payment, and a government-issued ID to:
The City of Paterson
Division of Health
Vital Statistics Program
176 Broadway
Paterson, NJ 07505
