What are Somerset County Public Records?
The New Jersey OPRA defines public records as any material and information contained therein created or maintained by a state agency. These records are typically maintained in the custody of designated cusotdians. However, certain records are exempt from public access, including medical records, legislative records, and records of active criminal investigations.
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Somerset County Crime Statistics
According to New Jersey's State Police Uniform Crime Reports, in 2019, there were 3064 offenses committed in the county. This included six murders, 36 rape offenses, 67 robberies, 74 assaults, 360 burglaries, 2370 larcenies, and 151 auto thefts. However, in 2020, there were 4 murders, 21 rape offenses, 48 robberies, 64 assaults, 305 burglaries, 2037 larcenies, 201 auto thefts, which summed up to 2680 offenses committed in that year. The reports show that there was a 12.53% decrease in criminal offenses in Somerset County between 2019 and 2020.
Are Somerset County Criminal Records Public?
Somerset County criminal records are only available to the persons named on the record and authorized entities performing a criminal record check for employment or licensing purposes. Interested persons may complete the appropriate criminal record request form based on the nature of their request. Each search costs $20 payable by credit card or debit card.
How to Obtain Somerset County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Interested parties who wish to obtain Somerset County police reports and arrest records should visit the County Sheriff's Office and describe the record sought. Police reports include a description of the offense, witness statements, crime scene photos, law enforcement's time of arrival and departure. Arrest records include personal information of the inmate, booking date, charge, bail amount (if applicable).
In addition to a submitting a written formal request, requestors must pay service fees, and provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID. Direct requests and inquiries to:
Somerset County Sheriff's Office
20 Grove Street
P.O. Box 3000
Somerville, NJ 08876
Phone: (908) 231-7140
Fax: (908) 253-8949
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Somerset County
Somerset County sex offender information is open to the public on the New Jersey Sex Offender Registry. Searchers can obtain information from the registry using the suspected or known offender' name, address, compliance status, internet name, and email address. The registry will provide the registered offender's personal information, offense description, and recent mugshot.
How to Find Somerset County Inmate Records
Somerset County inmate records are available at the Somerset County Sheriff's Office. The office is responsible for maintaining and releasing it to members of the public who provide requirements to obtain them. Typically, the requirements would include a formal request, a copy of a government-issued photo ID, and payment of a fee. Inmate records contain the personal information of the inmate, the description of the inmate's offense, date of arrest, bond amount (if applicable).
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Somerset County Jail?
To visit an inmate in Somerset County Jail, contact (908) 231-7150 option 9, to schedule a time slot for visitation. Only scheduled visitors can visit an inmate at Somerset County Jail.
Somerset County Jail
40 Grove Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
Phone: (908) 231-7150
Fax: (908) 231-0095
Prospective visitors must schedule visits at least 24 hours in advance, dress formally, carry a picture ID, and arrive 15 minutes early. Visits are Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. The visiting schedule often changes, so contact the administrator ahead to confirm visitation arrangements.
Somerset County Court Records
Somerset County Court Record are documents generated and maintained at a Somerset County Court, from criminal cases to civil cases, family cases, and estate disputes. The courts in Somerset County include the Somerset County Superior Court, the Somerset County Surrogate Court, and Somerset County Municipal Courts. The contact information of these courts is listed below:
Somerset County Superior Court
Somerset County Courthouse
20 North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876-1262
Phone: (908) 332-7700
Somerset County Surrogate Court
20 Grove Street
P.O. Box 3000
Somerville, NJ 08876
Phone: (908) 231-7003
Fax: (908) 575-3965
Email: SurrogatesOffice@co.somerset.nj.us
Are Somerset County Court Records Public?
Yes, Somerset County court records are typically available to the public unless restricted by court order. Interested parties can obtain them by submitting a Records Request Form to the Clerk's Office in person during office hours or by mail.
How to Obtain Somerset County Civil Court Case Records
Somerset County civil court records are available at the Civil Division of the Somerset County Superior Court. Generally, the requestor must complete the record request form mentioned above with the litigants' names and case numbers to obtain court records.
Parties should contact the Clerk's Office at (908) 332-7700 ext. 13710 for information on additional requirements and estimated cost of obtaining the documents sought. Requestors must also possess a valid picture ID when requesting court records.
Somerset County Superior Court Clerk's Office
Somerset County Courthouse
20 North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876-1262
How to Obtain Somerset County Criminal Court Records
Somerset County criminal court records are available at the Criminal Division of the Somerset County Superior Court. Generally, the requestor must complete the record request form mentioned above with the litigants' names and case numbers to obtain criminal court records.
Contact the Clerk's Office at (908) 332-7700 ext. 13710 for information on additional requirements and estimated cost of obtaining the documents sought. Requestors must also possess a valid picture ID when requesting court records.
Somerset County Superior Court Clerk's Office
Somerset County Courthouse
20 North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876-1262
What are Somerset County Vital Records?
Somerset County vital records are documents containing information about life events in the county. These include birth records, death records, marriage records, civil union records, and domestic partnership records. These records are available for collection at the Registrar's Office in the borough or township where the event took place. Alternatively, submit a request to the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH).
Generally, the public may obtain informational copies of certain vital records. However, only eligible persons with direct interest in the record may obtain certified copies of vital records in New Jersey. These include the record subject, their kin, and authorized third parties.
Where and How to Obtain Somerset County Divorce Records
Somerset COunty Divorce Records are availiable at the Court Clerk's Office in Trenton. Interested parties can contact the Office on (908) 332-7700 ex 13730 for instructions on obtaining a divorce record. Generally, the requestor must be able to describe the record (with the divorcee's names and divorce date) and pay the copying fees. Requestors must also submit a picture ID or document proving their eligibility to obtain the divorce record.
Where and How to Get Public Somerset County Marriage Records
Somerset County Marriage Records from 1931 are available at the New Jersey DOH. Requestors can also visit the Registrar's Office in the municipality where the marriage license was originally issued to obtain copies of this document.
To obtain copies of a Somerset County Marriage Certificate from the DOH, submit an Application for Genealogical Certification or Certified Copy of a Vital Record Form (Reg-28a) or Application for Non-Genealogical Certification or Certified Copy of a Vital Record Form (Reg-27a).
Requestors must submit a valid photo ID and pay the $25.00 copying fees, $5 for processing, and $12 for UPS shipping. Address requests and inquiries to:
New Jersey Department of Health
Vital Statistics and Registry
140 East Front Street
P.O. Box 370
Trenton, NJ 08608
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Somerset County
There are no confidential marriage records in Somerset County. All Somerset County marriage records are available to eligible requestor.
Where and How to Find Somerset County Birth Records
Somerset County birth records are available at the borough or towneship where the record subject was born, Likewise, the DOH also provides copies of birth records. To obtain this document, the requestor must complete the aforementioned vital records request form and pay the service fees.
The DOH charges $25.00 per copy, payable by money order or checks made out to the "Treasurer, State of New Jersey". Interested parties must provide a valid form of identification and submit the application packet in person or by mail to:
New Jersey Department of Health
Vital Statistics and Registry
140 East Front Street
P.O. Box 370
Trenton, NJ 08608
Where and How to Find Somerset County Death Records
Interested parties can find Somerset County death records at the local municipality where the death occurred or through the DOH. Certified copies of death records are only open to eligible individuals including the deceased's kin and authorized third parties. To obtain a Somerset County death record, complete the applicable vital record request form mentioned above. Attach a check or money order for the applicable fees as well as a identity document. Submit requests and direct additional inquiries to the Department.
New Jersey Department of Health
Vital Statistics and Registry
140 East Front Street
P.O. Box 370
Trenton, NJ 08608
