Passaic Public Records / Passaic County Arrest Records

Passaic County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Passaic County

Arrest records in Passaic County are generally considered public information under 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.

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, 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, records of ongoing investigations are subject to different disclosure requirements than records of closed cases.

Law enforcement agencies in Passaic County must disclose certain information about an arrest within 24 hours or as soon as practicable, including:

The name, age, residence, and occupation of the person arrested
The text of the charges filed against the person, including the statute allegedly violated
The identity of the investigating or arresting agency
The time and place of the arrest
The circumstances of the arrest

However, certain information may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would:

Jeopardize the safety of any person
Compromise an ongoing investigation
Reveal deployment of personnel or equipment
Interfere with a defendant's right to a fair trial

The New Jersey State Police and local law enforcement agencies maintain policies governing access to arrest records in accordance with state law.

What's in Passaic County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Passaic County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of arrests and include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Home address and contact information
Social security number (partially redacted in public records)
Driver's license number (partially redacted in public records)

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Circumstances leading to the arrest
Whether force was used during the arrest
Whether weapons were involved or seized

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Classification of charges (indictable offense, disorderly persons offense)
Degree of charges (first degree, second degree, etc.)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number and issuing authority
Date warrant was issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number or identification
Fingerprinting and photographing details
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bail conditions
Whether bail was posted
Pretrial release conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case/docket number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to the case

Custody Status:

Whether detained or released
Current location if in custody
Release date if applicable

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Risk assessment scores
Probation or parole status
Immigration status (if relevant to the case)

These records are maintained in accordance with N.J.S.A. § 53:1-20.5, which governs the collection and maintenance of criminal history record information by law enforcement agencies in New Jersey.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Passaic County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Passaic County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:

Submit an OPRA Request to the Passaic County Sheriff's Office

The primary custodian of arrest records in Passaic County is the Sheriff's Office. Requestors may submit an OPRA request form in person, by mail, or electronically.

Passaic County Sheriff's Office
435 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 621-4111
Passaic County Sheriff's Office

Required information for requests includes:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
Contact the Municipal Police Department

If the arrest was made by a municipal police department within Passaic County, records may be obtained directly from that agency. For example:

Paterson Police Department
111 Broadway
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 321-1111
Paterson Police Department
Visit the Passaic County Clerk's Office

Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the County Clerk's Office:

Passaic County Clerk's Office
401 Grand Street, Room 130
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 881-4788
Passaic County Clerk
Submit a Request to the New Jersey State Police

For statewide criminal history information:

New Jersey State Police Records and Identification Section
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
(609) 882-2000
New Jersey State Police

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5, agencies must respond to OPRA requests within seven business days. Fees may apply for copies of records, with standard paper copies typically costing $0.05 per letter-size page and $0.07 per legal-size page.

How To Find Passaic County Arrest Records Online

Passaic County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. The following online methods are available to the public:

New Jersey Courts Public Access System

The New Jersey Courts maintain an online portal that allows users to search for case information, including criminal cases that originate from arrests. The Public Access System provides information on criminal complaints, indictments, and court proceedings.

To search for records:
- Visit the New Jersey Courts website
- Select "Find a Case" from the menu options
- Choose "Criminal Case Search" or "PROMIS/Gavel Public Access"
- Enter the defendant's name or case number
- Review the search results for case information
Passaic County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup

The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup tool that provides information on individuals currently in custody:
- Visit the Passaic County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" section
- Enter the individual's name or identification number
- View current custody status and basic case information
New Jersey Department of Corrections Offender Search

For individuals who have been sentenced to state prison following an arrest and conviction in Passaic County:

New Jersey Department of Corrections
P.O. Box 863
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 292-4036
NJ Department of Corrections
Criminal Case Public Access Portal

The PROMIS/Gavel Public Access system allows users to search for criminal case information by defendant name or case number. This system includes information on cases that originated from arrests in Passaic County.

When using online systems, users should note that certain information may be redacted or limited in accordance with privacy laws and court rules. Additionally, the most recent arrest information may not be immediately available online, as there is typically a processing delay between an arrest and the uploading of information to public databases.

How To Search Passaic County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access Passaic County arrest records without incurring fees through several available methods. The following options provide free access to arrest record information:

In-Person Inspection at Law Enforcement Agencies

Under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), citizens have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours without charge. Individuals may visit the following agencies to view arrest records:

Passaic County Prosecutor's Office
401 Grand Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 881-4800
Passaic County Prosecutor's Office

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Online Court Record Searches

The New Jersey Judiciary provides free online access to basic case information through its public access portals:
- New Jersey Courts Public Access - Provides free searches for criminal cases
- Criminal Cases: PROMIS/Gavel Public Access - Allows searches for criminal case information
Public Access Terminals at Courthouses

Computer terminals are available at the Passaic County Superior Court for free public access to court records:

Passaic County Superior Court
77 Hamilton Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 247-8600
New Jersey Courts

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Public Libraries

Several public libraries in Passaic County offer free internet access that can be used to search online court and criminal record databases:

Paterson Free Public Library
250 Broadway
Paterson, NJ 07501
(973) 321-1223
Paterson Library
Jail Population Reports

The Passaic County Sheriff's Office periodically publishes jail population reports that include information about individuals currently in custody. These reports are available for public inspection at no cost.

When requesting free inspection of records, individuals should be aware that while inspection itself is free, reproduction of records (such as photocopies or printed pages) may incur fees as established by N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5. Additionally, certain specialized searches or certified copies may involve fees regardless of the method of access.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Passaic County

In New Jersey, including Passaic County, individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement refers to the legal process of removing records from public access, while sealing restricts access to certain authorized entities. These processes are governed by N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-1 through 2C:52-32.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrests Not Resulting in Conviction
- Dismissals: Cases dismissed without conviction may be eligible for immediate expungement
- Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in not guilty verdicts are eligible for immediate expungement
- Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI): Successful completion of PTI programs may qualify for expungement
Convictions
- Indictable Offenses (Felonies): Generally eligible after a 5-year waiting period (reduced to 4 years in some circumstances)
- Disorderly Persons Offenses: Generally eligible after a 3-year waiting period
- Petty Disorderly Persons Offenses: Generally eligible after a 2-year waiting period
- Early Pathway: Some convictions may be eligible for "early pathway" expungement after 3 years
Ineligible Offenses Certain serious offenses cannot be expunged under New Jersey law, including:
- Homicide
- Kidnapping
- Sexual assault
- Robbery
- Arson
- Perjury
- Distribution of controlled dangerous substances (with certain exceptions)

Expungement Process:

Obtain Criminal History Request a criminal history record from the New Jersey State Police or review court records to identify all arrests and dispositions.
Prepare Expungement Petition Complete the required forms, which include:
- Petition for Expungement
- Order for Hearing
- Expungement Order
- Proof of Notice
File Petition with Superior Court Submit the completed petition to:

Passaic County Superior Court
Criminal Division
77 Hamilton Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 247-8600
New Jersey Courts
Serve Notice Provide copies of the filed petition to:
- Attorney General's Office
- County Prosecutor's Office
- Police Department where arrest occurred
- Court where case was heard
- New Jersey State Police
Attend Hearing (if required) If objections are filed, the court may schedule a hearing to determine eligibility.
Receive Final Order If granted, the court will issue an Expungement Order directing all agencies to remove records from public access.

Individuals seeking to expunge their court record may utilize the New Jersey Courts' electronic system (eCourts) to file expungement petitions online. The courts also provide self-help resources and forms for those pursuing expungement without legal representation.

What Happens After Arrest in Passaic County?

Following an arrest in Passaic County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New Jersey state law and court rules. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

Booking and Processing

After physical arrest, individuals are transported to a police station or the Passaic County Jail for booking, which includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Recording of arrest details
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
Complaint and Charging

Law enforcement files a complaint-warrant or complaint-summons with the court:
- Complaint-warrant: Requires detention until first appearance
- Complaint-summons: Allows release with a court date
Public Safety Assessment (PSA)

Pretrial Services conducts a risk assessment using the Public Safety Assessment tool to evaluate:
- Risk of failure to appear
- Risk of new criminal activity
- Risk of new violent criminal activity
First Appearance/Central Judicial Processing (CJP)

Within 48 hours of detention, defendants appear before a judge for:
- Review of charges
- Advisement of rights
- Counsel determination (public defender or private attorney)
- Pretrial release decision
Pretrial Detention Hearing

For defendants subject to detention motions:
- Prosecutor must file motion within 3 days of arrest
- Hearing must occur within 3-5 days of filing
- Judge determines whether defendant will be detained pending trial
Pre-Indictment Proceedings

For indictable offenses (felonies):
- Pre-Indictment Conference (PIC) to discuss possible resolution
- Early disposition opportunities
- Discovery exchange
Grand Jury

For cases proceeding to indictment:
- Prosecutor presents evidence to grand jury
- Grand jury determines if probable cause exists
- If yes, indictment is issued; if no, case is dismissed
Arraignment

Following indictment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Entry of plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Setting of trial schedule
Pre-Trial Conference

Case management proceedings including:
- Discovery completion
- Motion filing and resolution
- Plea negotiations
Trial

If no plea agreement is reached:
- Jury selection (or bench trial if jury is waived)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
Sentencing

Following conviction:
- Pre-sentence investigation report
- Sentencing hearing
- Imposition of sentence (incarceration, probation, fines)
Appeal

Post-conviction options:
- Direct appeal to Appellate Division
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Motion for reconsideration of sentence

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights protected under both federal and state law, including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to a speedy trial, and the right to confront witnesses. The Passaic County criminal justice system operates under New Jersey's Criminal Justice Reform framework, which emphasizes risk-based rather than money-based pretrial release decisions.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Passaic County?

Arrest records in Passaic County are maintained according to the retention schedules established by the New Jersey Division of Archives and Records Management (NJDARM) and governed by N.J.S.A. § 47:3-15 et seq., which establishes the legal framework for records retention in the state.

Law enforcement agencies in Passaic County must adhere to the following retention periods for arrest-related records:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information
- Felony (Indictable) Arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor (Disorderly Persons) Arrests: 15 years after case closure
- Non-Indictable Offenses: 5 years after case closure
- Arrests Not Resulting in Charges: 3 years
Criminal Investigation Files
- Homicide Cases: Permanent retention
- Sexual Crimes: 75 years
- Arson: 25 years
- Other Felonies: 25 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 15 years after case closure
Fingerprint Records
- Adult Fingerprints: Permanent retention (unless expunged)
- Juvenile Fingerprints: Until age 38 (unless expunged earlier)
Mugshot Photographs
- Adult Mugshots: Permanent retention (unless expunged)
- Juvenile Mugshots: Until age 38 (unless expunged earlier)
Criminal History Records
- Maintained permanently by the New Jersey State Police
- Subject to expungement under specific circumstances

Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

Passaic County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest and booking records according to the state retention schedule
Municipal Police Departments: Retain arrest records for their jurisdictions
Passaic County Prosecutor's Office: Maintains case files related to prosecutions
New Jersey State Police: Maintains the central repository of criminal history information

The New Jersey Records Manual provides detailed retention schedules for all types of government records, including those related to law enforcement and criminal justice.

It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period has expired, records may be maintained longer at the discretion of the agency. Additionally, records that have been expunged pursuant to court order must be removed from public access regardless of the standard retention period.

How to Find Mugshots in Passaic County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual and serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Passaic County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Passaic County Sheriff's Office
435 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 621-4111
Passaic County Sheriff's Office
Municipal Police Departments that make arrests within their jurisdictions
New Jersey State Police for arrests made by state troopers

Finding Mugshots

Obtaining mugshots in Passaic County requires following specific procedures:

Submit an OPRA Request

The primary method for obtaining mugshots is through an Open Public Records Act request submitted to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. The request should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case or arrest number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
Visit the Law Enforcement Agency

In-person requests can be made at the records division of the arresting agency during normal business hours.

Can They Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, Passaic County and New Jersey law enforcement agencies generally do not publish mugshots online through official channels. The New Jersey Attorney General's Office has issued directives limiting the release of mugshots except in specific circumstances, such as when seeking public assistance in locating a fugitive.

Some third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained through various means, but these are not official sources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain a mugshot:

Complete an OPRA request form specifying the mugshot being requested
Submit the form to the appropriate law enforcement agency
Pay any applicable fees (typically $0.05 per letter-size page for paper copies)
Receive the response within the statutory 7-business-day timeframe

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Passaic County is subject to several restrictions:

Privacy Considerations: Law enforcement agencies may redact or withhold mugshots if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Ongoing Investigations: Mugshots related to active investigations may be withheld if disclosure could compromise the investigation
Juvenile Records: Mugshots of juveniles are generally not available to the public pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2A:4A-60
Expunged Records: If a case has been expunged under N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-1 et seq., the mugshot is no longer available to the public
Attorney General Directives: The New Jersey Attorney General has issued directives limiting the release of mugshots to protect privacy and prevent unnecessary stigmatization

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are technically public records, their release is subject to various legal restrictions and agency policies that balance public access with privacy concerns.

Lookup Arrest Records in Passaic County

Find public court case information

Search criminal cases through PROMIS/Gavel Public Access

Visit the official New Jersey Judiciary website

Learn about expunging your court record

Access the Open Public Records Act information

Other Categories in New Jersey

Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records