Search Public Records

Wall Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Wall, New Jersey?

Arrest records are public documents in Wall, 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 to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations and judicial proceedings within the township.

The Wall Township Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Records may be subject to redaction to protect confidential information as specified under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, including but not limited to juvenile records, ongoing investigation materials, and certain personal identifying information. Notwithstanding these exceptions, the majority of adult arrest information remains accessible to the public.

How to Look Up Wall Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Wall Township have multiple avenues through which to obtain this information. The following official channels are available for record retrieval:

  • Visit the Wall Township Police Department in person at 2700 Allaire Road, Wall Township, NJ 07719. The Records Bureau is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors must complete an OPRA request form.

  • Submit requests to the Wall Township Municipal Court located at 2700 Allaire Road, Wall Township, NJ 07719. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (732) 449-8444.

  • Access the Wall Township online records portal through the official township website. Electronic requests may be submitted 24 hours a day, though processing occurs during regular business hours.

  • Contact the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office at 132 Jerseyville Avenue, Freehold, NJ 07728. Telephone: (732) 431-7160.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5, the custodian of records must respond to OPRA requests within seven business days. Fees may apply in accordance with N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(b), which permits charges for document reproduction.

Contents of a Wall Arrest Record

Wall Township arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by New Jersey Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 74. These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Statutory charges filed, with reference to applicable sections of the New Jersey Criminal Code
  • Case/docket number assigned by the Wall Township Municipal Court
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Booking photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint records
  • Custody status and bail determination information
  • Preliminary hearing date, if scheduled

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and stage of proceedings. Records pertaining to arrests for violations of Wall Township ordinances may contain additional municipality-specific information.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The accessibility of arrest records in Wall Township is governed by a multi-tiered legal framework. The New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), codified at N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq., establishes the presumption that government records shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted.

The New Jersey Criminal History Record Information Act, N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5 et seq., further regulates the dissemination of criminal history information. Under this statute, arrest records are categorized as "public information" when they pertain to:

  • The identity of the arrested party
  • The nature of the charges
  • The circumstances immediately surrounding the arrest

Wall Township adheres to Executive Order No. 69 (Gov. Whitman, 1997), which stipulates that arrest records shall remain public information, provided that their release does not impede ongoing investigations or compromise public safety.

Requestors should note that N.J.S.A. 47:1A-3(b) permits law enforcement agencies to withhold information if disclosure would:

  • Jeopardize the safety of any person
  • Compromise security measures
  • Interfere with an investigation
  • Deprive a person of a fair trial

The Wall Township Police Department, as the primary custodian of arrest records, implements these statutory provisions in accordance with departmental Policy Directive 2023-14 regarding public records access.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Wall

Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access in Wall Township may petition for expungement pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 et seq. The expungement process effectively seals records from public view, though certain governmental agencies retain limited access capabilities.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Wall Township include:

  • Completion of all terms of sentencing, including payment of fines and completion of probation
  • Satisfaction of statutory waiting periods (varies by offense category)
  • Absence of subsequent criminal convictions
  • Compliance with limitations on the number and type of offenses eligible for expungement

The procedural requirements for expungement include:

  • Filing a Petition for Expungement with the Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth County, located at 71 Monument Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
  • Submission of all required supporting documentation
  • Payment of applicable filing fees (currently $75, with fee waiver provisions available)
  • Service of the petition upon all relevant agencies, including the Wall Township Police Department and Municipal Court

Upon issuance of an Expungement Order by the court, the Wall Township Police Department and Municipal Court must remove all references to the expunged arrest from publicly accessible records within 30 days, as mandated by N.J.S.A. 2C:52-15.

The "Clean Slate" expungement provision, enacted under N.J.S.A. 2C:52-5.4, provides an automated process for certain eligible records after a 10-year period without subsequent convictions.

Restrictions on Use of Arrest Records

Wall Township arrest records, while public, are subject to usage restrictions under New Jersey law. The Opportunity to Compete Act (N.J.S.A. 34:6B-11 et seq.) prohibits employers from inquiring about arrest records during initial employment applications. Employers may only consider arrest information after a conditional offer of employment has been extended.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) and its New Jersey counterpart impose additional restrictions on consumer reporting agencies that compile and disseminate arrest record information. These regulations include:

  • Prohibition on reporting arrest records older than seven years
  • Requirement to maintain procedures ensuring maximum possible accuracy
  • Obligation to provide notice to consumers when adverse actions are taken based on report contents

Housing providers in Wall Township are similarly restricted in their consideration of arrest records by the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.) and New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.), which prohibit discriminatory housing practices.

Unauthorized commercial use of arrest record information obtained from Wall Township sources may constitute a violation of N.J.S.A. 47:1A-11, potentially resulting in civil penalties.

Search Arrest Records in Wall