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Bergen County, New Jersey Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bergen County, New Jersey?

Arrest records are public in Bergen County, New Jersey, pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq. This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by citizens of New Jersey, with certain exceptions as prescribed by law. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental interests, including:

  • Ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations
  • Maintaining accountability of public officials
  • Providing citizens with information regarding public safety matters
  • Supporting the constitutional right to access information about governmental proceedings

The Bergen County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5, which requires custodians of government records to provide prompt access to such materials. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, such as social security numbers, unlisted telephone numbers, and driver's license numbers.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Bergen County?

Bergen County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The New Jersey Courts electronic case management system provides public access to criminal case information, including arrest data. Additionally, the Bergen County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records that may be accessed through their official website.

Online accessibility is governed by N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(g), which states that "a custodian shall permit access to a government record and provide a copy thereof in the medium requested." This provision has been interpreted to include electronic access where such capabilities exist. The following online resources are available to the public:

  • The PROMIS/Gavel Public Access portal through the New Jersey Courts
  • The Bergen County Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system
  • Municipal court databases for individual townships within Bergen County

Users should note that pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:59-1.1 et seq., certain limitations apply to the dissemination of criminal history record information through electronic means.

How to Look Up Bergen County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Bergen County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The primary methods include:

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the Bergen County Criminal Records Room located at Bergen County Justice Center, 10 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601. Phone: 201-527-2700. Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
  • Request records from the Bergen County Sheriff's Office at 160 South River Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. Phone: 201-336-3500. Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Contact the Bergen County Clerk's Office at One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ 07601. Phone: 201-336-7000. Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Electronic Requests:

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(f), custodians of records may charge a reasonable fee for reproduction costs. Current fee schedules are available at each respective agency. Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record location, including the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known.

Contents of a Bergen County Arrest Record

Bergen County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by N.J.A.C. 13:74-1.1 et seq., which establishes uniform reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey. These records typically include:

  • Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Statutory charges filed, including citation to relevant New Jersey statutes
  • Case or docket number assigned by the court
  • Arresting agency and officer identification
  • Booking information, including fingerprint classification and photograph
  • Custody status and bail determination
  • Court appearance dates and disposition information

The New Jersey State Police Criminal Information Unit maintains the central repository for all criminal history record information in the state, including arrest data from Bergen County. This information is collected pursuant to N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5, which requires law enforcement agencies to report arrest information to the state repository within a specified timeframe.

It should be noted that pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-60, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements and may not be included in publicly accessible arrest records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Bergen County

The expungement process in Bergen County allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as provided in N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 et seq. Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen County Vicinage, located at Justice Center, 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

  • For arrests not resulting in conviction: Immediate eligibility pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-6
  • For disorderly persons offenses: Five-year waiting period after completion of sentence
  • For certain indictable offenses: Ten-year waiting period after completion of sentence
  • For drug offenses under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1): One-year waiting period may apply under the "early pathway" provision

The expungement process requires submission of the following documents:

  • Petition for Expungement (Form 1)
  • Order for Hearing (Form 2)
  • Expungement Order (Form 5)
  • Cover letter to the court
  • Filing fee of $75.00 payable to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey"

Upon granting of an expungement order, all records related to the arrest are removed from public access and sealed. Law enforcement agencies, including the Bergen County Sheriff's Office, are required to remove such records from their publicly accessible databases pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-15.

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