Camden County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Camden County
Arrest records in Camden County, New Jersey are considered public records under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1), which establishes the public's right to access government records. This statute specifically designates most law enforcement records, including arrest records, as accessible to the public with certain exceptions.
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 on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-3, information concerning an arrest is considered public information, including:
- The name, age, residence, and occupation of the person arrested
- The text of the charges filed against the arrestee
- The identity of the arresting agency
- The time and place of the arrest
- The circumstances immediately surrounding the arrest
However, certain information may be redacted if disclosure would:
- Jeopardize the safety of any person
- Compromise an ongoing investigation
- Reveal investigatory techniques
- Violate a specific exemption under state or federal law
The New Jersey State Police maintains policies governing the dissemination of criminal history record information pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:59, which implements the statutory requirements for public access to arrest records.
What's in Camden County Arrest Records
Camden County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, disorderly persons offense)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Judge who signed the warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bail conditions
- Whether bail was posted
- Bail hearing details
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case/docket number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status at time of arrest
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Victim information (often redacted in public versions)
- Witness information (often redacted in public versions)
- Narrative reports from arresting officers
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency within Camden County and the nature of the arrest.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Camden County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Camden County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The primary methods for accessing arrest records include:
- Camden County Prosecutor's Office - The prosecutor's office maintains records related to criminal prosecutions in the county.
Camden County Prosecutor's Office
200 Federal Street
Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 225-8400
Camden County Prosecutor's Office
Requestors must complete an OPRA request form specifying the records sought. For arrest records, provide as much identifying information as possible, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Camden County Sheriff's Office - The Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests conducted by their deputies.
Camden County Sheriff's Office
520 Market Street
Camden, NJ 08102
(856) 225-5470
Camden County Sheriff's Office
Requests may be submitted in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) or by mail. A processing fee may apply.
- Local Police Departments - Individual municipalities within Camden County maintain their own arrest records.
For example:
Camden County Police Department
800 Federal Street
Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 757-7400
Camden County Police Department
When requesting arrest records, be prepared to:
- Present valid photo identification
- Complete the appropriate request form
- Pay any applicable fees (typically $5-25 per record, depending on the agency)
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5, agencies must respond to records requests within seven business days. If a request is denied, the agency must provide a specific legal basis for the denial.
How To Find Camden County Arrest Records Online
Camden County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests:
- New Jersey Judiciary Public Access System - The state judiciary maintains an online portal for accessing court records, including information about criminal cases resulting from arrests.
To use this system:
- Visit the New Jersey Courts Public Access website
- Select "Criminal Case Public Access"
- Enter the defendant's name or case number
- Review the case information, which may include arrest details
- Camden County Inmate Search - The Camden County Department of Corrections provides an online database of currently incarcerated individuals.
To search for current inmates:
- Navigate to the Camden County Department of Corrections website
- Select the inmate lookup tool
- Enter the individual's name
- Review the results, which include booking information related to the arrest
- New Jersey State Police Criminal History Records - For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrest records, the State Police maintains an electronic request system.
To request records through this system:
- Visit the New Jersey State Police Criminal Information Unit website
- Complete the online application form
- Pay the required fee ($41.00 per record check)
- Provide fingerprints if required for the specific type of search
When using online systems, users should note that:
- Some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
- Complete arrest records may require additional requests
- Fees may apply for certain types of online searches
Online access is governed by the same legal framework as in-person requests, including the provisions of N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 regarding public access to government records.
How To Search Camden County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Camden County arrest records without incurring fees:
- Camden County Jail Inmate Lookup - The Camden County Department of Corrections maintains a free online database of current inmates.
Camden County Department of Corrections
330 Federal Street
Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 225-7632
Camden County Department of Corrections
This resource provides basic information about individuals currently in custody, including:
- Name and age
- Booking date
- Charges
- Next court date
- Bond information
- Public Access Terminals - The Camden County Courthouse provides public access computer terminals where visitors can search court records at no cost.
Camden County Hall of Justice
101 South 5th Street
Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 379-2200
Camden County Courts
These terminals are available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).
-
Local Newspaper Police Blotters - Many local newspapers publish police blotter information, which includes recent arrests.
-
Public Library Resources - Camden County Library branches offer free internet access where patrons can search public records databases.
Camden County Library System
203 Laurel Road
Voorhees, NJ 08043
(856) 772-1636
Camden County Library System
- OPRA Requests - Under certain circumstances, agencies may waive fees for Open Public Records Act requests if:
- The requestor demonstrates financial hardship
- The information is being sought for public interest purposes
- The request is minimal in scope
When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware that:
- Information may be less comprehensive than paid record searches
- Recent arrests may not be immediately available
- Some identifying information may be redacted
- Complex searches may still require paid services
The right to access public records without charge for inspection is established in N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(b), though reasonable fees may be charged for copies or extensive searches.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Camden County
New Jersey law provides several mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records through expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 et seq., which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement physically removes records from public access and treats the arrest as if it never occurred
- Sealing restricts access to records but does not completely remove them from all government databases
Eligibility for Expungement: Arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not lead to a conviction
- The charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted
- The individual completed a diversionary program (e.g., Pre-Trial Intervention)
- The conviction was for certain eligible offenses and the waiting period has elapsed
- The conviction was for marijuana offenses now eligible under recent reforms
Expungement Process:
- Obtain criminal history information from the New Jersey State Police
- File a Petition for Expungement with the Superior Court in Camden County
- Serve copies of the petition on all required agencies, including:
- Camden County Prosecutor's Office
- Law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- New Jersey State Police
- Attorney General's Office
- Attend the expungement hearing if required
- If granted, ensure all agencies comply with the expungement order
Camden County Superior Court
Hall of Justice
101 South 5th Street
Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 379-2200
Camden County Courts
Clean Slate Expungement: New Jersey's "Clean Slate" law (N.J.S.A. 2C:52-5.4) allows for automatic expungement of certain records after a 10-year period without subsequent convictions.
Legal Assistance: Due to the complexity of expungement law, individuals may seek assistance from:
- Camden County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Services of New Jersey
- Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
The expungement process typically takes 3-6 months from filing to final order. Once an expungement is granted, the individual may legally deny the existence of the expunged arrest in most circumstances, with certain exceptions for specific types of employment and licensing.
What Happens After Arrest in Camden County?
Following an arrest in Camden County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New Jersey court rules and criminal procedure statutes. This process typically follows these sequential steps:
-
Booking and Processing
- Arrestee is transported to a police station or county jail
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Personal information collection
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
-
Charging Decision
- Police file complaint-warrant or complaint-summons
- Prosecutor reviews charges for sufficiency
-
First Appearance/Central Judicial Processing (CJP)
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest for detained individuals
- Judge informs defendant of charges
- Public defender appointed if eligible
- Preliminary bail/detention determination made
-
Pretrial Services Program Assessment
- Risk assessment conducted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:162-16
- Recommendation made regarding release or detention
-
Detention Hearing
- Held within 3-5 days of arrest if prosecutor seeks detention
- Judge determines if defendant will be:
- Released on own recognizance
- Released with conditions
- Detained pending trial
-
Pre-Indictment Events
- Early plea negotiations may occur
- Discovery provided to defense
- Pre-Indictment Program (PIP) may be offered for eligible cases
-
Grand Jury Proceedings
- Prosecutor presents evidence
- Grand jury determines if probable cause exists
- If yes, indictment issued; if no, case dismissed
-
Post-Indictment Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea
- Trial schedule established
-
Pre-Trial Conference
- Evidence issues addressed
- Plea negotiations continue
- Motions scheduled
-
Diversionary Programs (if eligible)
- Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI)
- Drug Court
- Veterans Diversion Program
- Mental Health Diversion
-
Trial
- Jury selection
- Presentation of evidence
- Verdict
-
Sentencing (if convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation
- Sentencing hearing
- Imposition of sentence
-
Appeal (if applicable)
- Filed within 45 days of sentencing
- Appellate Division review
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights protected under both the U.S. Constitution and the New Jersey Constitution, including the right to counsel, the right to a speedy trial, and protection against self-incrimination.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Camden County?
Arrest records in Camden County are subject to retention requirements established by the New Jersey Division of Archives and Records Management (NJDARM) under the authority of N.J.S.A. 47:3-26. These retention schedules vary by record type and agency.
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
- Arrest reports: Permanent retention
- Fingerprint cards: 75 years
- Booking photographs (mugshots): 75 years
- Investigation reports: 75 years for serious crimes; 3-10 years for lesser offenses
- Arrest warrants (executed): 75 years
- Arrest logs/blotters: Permanent retention
Court Records Retention:
- Criminal case files: 15 years after case conclusion for indictable offenses
- Municipal court records: 15 years for criminal matters; 3-5 years for minor offenses
- Probation records: 10 years after termination of supervision
Corrections Records Retention:
- Inmate files: 10 years after release
- Booking information: 10 years after release
- Disciplinary reports: 7 years
Different agencies maintain separate record systems with distinct retention requirements:
- Camden County Prosecutor's Office maintains case files according to prosecutorial retention schedules
- Local police departments follow municipal police records retention schedules
- Camden County Corrections follows county corrections retention schedules
- New Jersey State Police maintains state-level criminal history information
The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supports law enforcement investigations of related crimes
- Provides accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Enables background checks for public safety purposes
- Facilitates statistical analysis of crime patterns
Records that have reached their retention period may be destroyed only after approval from the State Records Committee pursuant to N.J.A.C. 15:3-2.2. However, many arrest records are designated for permanent retention, particularly those related to serious offenses.
How to Find Mugshots in Camden County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. These images typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile view (in some cases)
- Booking information board showing name and booking number
- Date of arrest
These photographs serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Camden County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- The arresting law enforcement agency
- Camden County Department of Corrections (for booked inmates)
- Camden County Prosecutor's Office (as part of case files)
- New Jersey State Police (as part of comprehensive criminal history records)
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Camden County, individuals may:
-
Submit an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request to the arresting agency:
- Specify the name of the individual
- Provide the approximate date of arrest
- Indicate that booking photographs are specifically being requested
- Submit the request form with required identification
-
Contact the Camden County Department of Corrections for mugshots of current or recent inmates:
Camden County Department of Corrections
330 Federal Street
Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 225-7632
Camden County Department of Corrections
- Request criminal history information from the New Jersey State Police, which may include mugshots:
New Jersey State Police Criminal Information Unit
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
(609) 882-2000
New Jersey State Police
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
Unlike some states, New Jersey does not maintain a centralized public database of mugshots. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Law enforcement agency press releases about significant arrests
- Media coverage of newsworthy arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate booking information
The Camden County Sheriff's Office and local police departments do not routinely publish mugshots on their websites as a matter of policy.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through an OPRA request. Requestors should:
- Use the agency's official OPRA request form
- Provide specific identifying information
- Pay any applicable fees (typically $5-10 per photograph)
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, including:
- If the release would impair an ongoing investigation
- If the individual is a juvenile
- If the charges were ultimately dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- If the records have been expunged
- If disclosure would violate privacy interests that outweigh the public interest in disclosure
Law enforcement agencies evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis to determine whether exemptions apply.