View Free Bergen County Public Records (Search Public Information)

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Free Bergen County Public Records Search

Access Bergen County Records: marriage, divorce, warrants, arrests, probation, criminal, court, background checks, and all public records.

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Track down free Bergen County public records covering marriage, divorce, warrants, arrests, criminal cases and court proceedings through databases accessible to any individual.

The county maintains various offices that make many records available to the public. Interested persons can explore matters related to matrimony, examine court documents, look up warrants and criminal histories produced by the criminal justice system, and find incarceration details from local correctional facilities.

This resource aims to empower users and offer guidance on the best ways to obtain various types of information from local record custodians and online search tools.

How To Perform a Free Arrest Record & Inmate Search in Bergen County

Finding details of arrests that took place in Bergen County involves accessing public records from various county and local authorities. Typically, the primary sources of such information are the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and County Jail, which maintain records from municipalities across the area, including data on those detained in recent incidents.

To find an individual arrested locally, it helps to know the approximate location of the arrest and the name of the person. Citizens can achieve this by checking with police departments in nearby cities and towns. Also, individuals may check their respective local detention facilities.

While some state departments of correction post limited inmate data, Bergen County maintains its records independently through different departments such as the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, individual municipal police departments, and local detention centers.

Search Arrests via the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office

Searching the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office provides a convenient way to check for arrests across multiple jurisdictions in the county.

The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office inmate lookup tool provides access to records online.¹

This database allows searching by name or booking number to find information on inmates in the Bergen County Jail.

In addition to the online means, it can also be accessed by contacting:

Bergen County Sheriff’s Office
2 Bergen County Plaza
Hackensack, NJ 07601

Phone: 201-336-3500
Fax: 201-752-4234

The Sheriff’s Office handles requests for past police reports from local departments. General public records can also be requested from the Bergen County Clerk’s Office public search portal.

Additional records can also be requested from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Open Public Records Act (OPRA) Request form which provides instructions for submitting requests:

• Records requests can be sent to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office by mail, Email: [email protected], Fax: 201-646-3794, or hand delivery.
• Fees may apply depending on the type and quantity of records provided, as allowed under OPRA.
• By law, the Prosecutor’s Office has 7 business days to respond to a records request, though some delays can occur.
• Any private information, such as Social Security numbers, will be redacted from records before release as required by OPRA.
• Criminal investigatory files and victim records are considered confidential and not releasable through an OPRA request.
• Individuals have the right to appeal to the Government Records Council or Superior Court if a request is denied.

Searching the county jail roster and contacting local law enforcement provides a thorough starting point. The Prosecutor’s Office OPRA FAQ page gives helpful context on OPRA policies that may impact records requests.

Look Up Arrests & Obtain Police Reports Through Police Departments in Bergen County

The cities of Paterson, Hackensack, Englewood, Bergenfield, and Teaneck maintain independent police departments that may hold additional arrest information. Find addresses and contact information for each municipal agency below.

Fort Lee Police Department
1327 16th Street
Fort Lee, NJ 07024

Phone: 201-592-3700

The FLPD’s jail roster can be searched online through third-party sources or by contacting the police department. Record requests can also be submitted via their online OPRA request form.

Hackensack Police Department
225 State St
Hackensack, NJ 07601

Phone: 201-646-7777

Search recent jail bookings from third-party sites or request records by contacting the Hackensack Police Department.

Englewood Police Department
75 S. Van Brunt St.
Englewood, NJ 07631

Phone: 201-568-2700

Find jail bookings via third-party sites and services or inquire with the department about available records.

Bergenfield Police Department
Municipal Building, 198 N. Washington Ave.,
Bergenfield, NJ 07621

Phone: 201-387-4000

Contact the BPD for arrest inquiries or records requests.

Fair Lawn Police Department
8-01 Fair Lawn Ave.
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410

Phone: 201-796-1400

The department’s website includes information on public record lookups, although citizens have to contact the Department to access the needed reports.³

For other municipalities, check individual police department websites or search online for “[city] New Jersey arrest records” to find past incidents and contact information. If a department does not operate a jail, search for “[city name] police department contact information” instead.

This provides a thorough approach to researching arrest records across Bergen County through local law enforcement agencies. Proper procedures should be followed based on individual department policies.

How To See if Someone Has a History of Crime in Bergen County New Jersey

Those seeking Bergen County public records about an individual’s criminal history have several venues to explore; there are multiple types of records maintained by various public agencies that can provide insight into a person’s past or current legal circumstances.

In Bergen County, key record holders are the county and local police departments, sheriff’s office, court system, and state agencies like the New Jersey State Police. Consulting these sources allows an informed overview of an individual’s potential criminal background within Bergen County and guides searchers through the next steps for a more thorough review.

The following sections outline accessing specific criminal records through responsible county and local authorities.

Execute a Free Public Criminal Record Check via the Bergen County Clerk

Here are additional details on executing a free public criminal record check in Bergen County, NJ:

• Bergen County Clerk Criminal Records Search — The Bergen County Clerk’s website provides a portal that allows name/date of birth searches of the criminal case database.⁴ This is achieved by searching several records, including court orders within the county. Results display case numbers with links to online docket sheets providing party names, charges, dispositions and other court events.
• In-Person Record Requests — Community members can visit the Clerk’s Office at One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack, NJ 07601 on weekdays to request paper records in person. A valid ID is required. Certified records cost $10 on the first page and an additional 2$ for every other page except for the military. Basic case history printouts are provided at no charge.
• Mail/Fax/Email Requests — Requestors must specify the exact records or date range needed as specified on the contact page.

Fax: 201-336-7002 Email: [email protected]

• Protected Case Information — Certain records like family court matters and juvenile cases remain exempt from public access online and in paper records. Law enforcement and authorized government agency personnel may request additional case details for official use.

Performing due diligence on public records helps responsible individuals while respecting subject privacy rights per applicable laws. Multiple search methods provide transparency at a low cost to all community stakeholders.

Conduct a Free Public Criminal Record Check in Bergen County via the New Jersey Courts

The Bergen County Courts offer a helpful starting point for preliminary criminal record checks. Their point of access is the New Jersey Courts website that allows citizens to find case information on existing case records.⁵ The site provides searchable indices of criminal, traffic and municipal court cases based on name or docket number.

Additional types of records that may contain helpful information include:

• Municipal court records through local police departments.
• Criminal case files from the county clerk’s office.
• Warrant details from the sheriff’s office.

While certain records require authorization for full disclosure depending on the type of case, many court documents are publicly accessible at no cost. Understanding what information is legally releasable helps tailor record requests to authorized sources within Bergen County.

How To Check for Arrest Warrants in Bergen County New Jersey

The Warrant Unit of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office plays a vital role in enforcing arrest warrants issued throughout the county. Regularly, teams of two detectives are dispatched to carry out warrants from various courts and law enforcement organizations.

Some of the key types of offenses for which warrants are routinely enforced include probation violations, state parole violations, civil arrest warrants, failure to appear, fugitives from other states, military desertion (AWOL), escape warrants, and litigants’ rights violations (non-support).

Twice a year, a state-wide a statewide Chancery Raid is conducted as per the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development. These raids ensue from the Sheriff’s Office to apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants for offenses related to child support orders.

Residents can learn more about active arrest warrants in Bergen County through contacts available on the Sheriff’s Office Warrant Unit page.⁷ Citizens can also search through third-party providers by name to view basic details about outstanding warrants.

Arrest and criminal records can also be accessed via the New Jersey Courts Public Access Records portal. Background checks are available through the New Jersey State Police Criminal History Records unit.

In addition to handling warrants, the Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the county. It is divided into bureaus responsible for criminal investigations, county jail operations, patrol services, and civil processes. Local police departments within Bergen County, like Hackensack PD, also have roles in warrant enforcement within their jurisdictions.

How To Find Out if Someone Is on Probation in Bergen County New Jersey

Probation bears the following distinguishing characteristics:

• A court-ordered period of supervision in the community instead of incarceration as part of the original sentencing for a crime.
• Requires compliance with certain conditions but allows the “probationer” to avoid jail/prison time.
• Monitored in the community by a probation officer.
• If violated, probation can be revoked, and the original jail/prison sentence is then enforced.

It differs from parole in that probation is served entirely in the community instead of initial incarceration, while parole follows some time spent in prison. Also, probation is part of the original court sentence; parole comes after incarceration under parole board oversight.

The New Jersey Department of Corrections maintains a searchable database of individuals currently under probation. By submitting a name query on the offender search form, citizens can check the probation status of an individual. One has to select “probation” on the filter criteria to have exclusive results.

The department oversees all community supervision functions for the state.

For Bergen County specifically, the Bergen County Probation Department provides probation services at the local level. Their website has no provision for searching offender information to view basic probationer details like status, offense type, and probation period. All accessed records contain only publicly disclosable information as defined under open records laws.

To inquire about an individual’s probation status, an individual can submit a records request by mail or in person to the Probation Department. They handle supervision for county-level criminal cases in Bergen County.

Authorized individuals like law enforcement can likely access more detailed case records by contacting these agencies directly. For general public inquiries, a records request with identifying information about the individual may help determine probation status.

How To Complete a Bergen County Background Check

There are two main types of background checks – personal background checks to research public records for personal use and professional background checks required by employers and other organizations.

Background checks are conducted for both personal and professional reasons including:

• Employment — Employers use them to verify qualifications and assess suitability for positions, as required by law for some roles.
• Licensing — Many licensed careers require background checks to meet public safety standards.
• Volunteering — Organizations screen volunteers working with vulnerable groups to mitigate risks.
• Housing — Landlords and property managers check tenants to evaluate risks.
• Personal Use — Individuals run checks on caregivers, contractors, or potential associates for peace of mind.
• Adoption/Childcare — Agencies require checks to certify that prospective parents and caregivers are appropriate.

Background checks can help evaluate candidates and qualify them for opportunities or placements, satisfy regulatory requirements for specific industries and roles, verify identities, qualifications, and information provided as well as assess risks or red flags regarding criminal, financial, or other histories.

Whether used professionally during hiring or personally, background checks provide transparency while helping parties make informed decisions regarding safety, suitability, and risk. These records assist in selecting the right people for roles or relationships. When conducting personal background checks, it’s important to remember the following:

1. Anyone can search Bergen County public records directly through official agencies or with third-party people search sites to find publicly available information on an individual.
2. Consent from the subject is not typically required for searches of public records, as they are lawfully accessible to any person for any reason.
3. However, public information should only be used for legal purposes and not to stalk, intimidate, or harass others. Public records cannot support or enable illegal activities under any circumstances.

Publicly available records were designed to be transparent sources of information for all citizens. While consent is not needed and the reason for the search does not matter, personal background checks using public data still must respect individuals’ basic privacy and safety. In New Jersey, inquirers can search court and other government records online through the following agencies:

• Bergen County Clerk’s Office Public Search Portal– Provides a search of county-level court records.
• New Jersey eCourts Public Access System– Allows searching a wide range of case information through the state court system.

These records searches do not require consent as they involve only public information. They should only be used for permitted purposes and not to stalk, harass or intimidate anyone. Third-party background check companies also allow personal records searches for a fee.

Keep in mind the points below when conducting official or professional background checks:

1. Background checks for employers, licensing agencies, and other official entities are used to vet candidates and applicants for employment, professional licenses, firearms ownership, housing, insurance, positions working with children/elderly, volunteering, and more.
2. In Bergen County, the New Jersey State Police Personal Records Request provides background check services, including name-based (Level 1) and fingerprint-based (Level 2) criminal record checks for qualifying purposes like licensing and employment.¹⁰
3. At the state level, the New Jersey State Police provides both fingerprint-based and name-based criminal history record checks through an online portal or via mail.

Fingerprint-based criminal background checks required for certain positions can be done through the New Jersey State Police Personal Records Request page. Fingerprint-based criminal background checks involve scanning a person’s fingerprints and running them through state and federal fingerprint databases to check for any past criminal history:

• Fingerprints provide a unique biological identifier that can be used to identify someone conclusively in criminal records, unlike name-only searches.
• Both state agencies and the FBI maintain digital fingerprint databases containing records of arrests, convictions, and open/pending criminal cases for millions of individuals.
• Government entities, employers, and licensing agencies can submit a person’s fingerprints electronically to be searched against these databases.
• If fingerprints match someone in the system, all associated criminal history information, such as mugshots, arrest/charge details, and court dispositions, will be disclosed.
• Fingerprint checks provide the most comprehensive results as they can detect individuals who have used aliases or modified personal information.
• The FBI database called the Next Generation Identification (NGI) interstate fingerprint identification system allows nationwide records to be checked.

Individuals have certain legal rights and protections regarding background checks. When conducting background checks, requestors must abide by relevant laws such as:

• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. The EEOC provides guidance on conducting discriminatory-free background checks.
• The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates background checks using consumer reports. Written consent is required, and subjects have a right to dispute inaccurate information.
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can investigate issues such as background checks conducted without proper disclosure or consent.
• Many states have adopted “Ban the Box” laws prohibiting inquiries into criminal history before determining an applicant’s qualifications. This protects against discrimination.
• Bergen County and New Jersey have additional statutes like the New Jersey Opportunity to Compete law regarding criminal history questions.
• All agencies must respect an individual’s right to review, dispute, and correct errors in reported information.

Careful adherence to privacy laws and bias-free practices is important when using background check information. Protections aim to prevent discrimination while enabling safe vetting.

How To Review New Jersey Criminal Records Through State & Federal Resources

Here are the primary ways to search for and obtain New Jersey criminal records through state and federal agencies:

1. New Jersey Judiciary Case Search — Through the NJ Courts website, searches can be conducted of publicly available criminal and civil case records statewide. Name or case number searches allow access to basic information on criminal complaints, convictions and sentences.
2. New Jersey State Police — As the central repository for statewide criminal history records, the State Police offer criminal background checks for employment/licensing purposes. Law enforcement agencies can also request complete criminal history records.
3. Department of Corrections — Information on current and recently released inmates in NJ state prison facilities can be found on the DOC website by searching by name or ID number. Parole and probation details may also be viewable.
4. Out-of-State Records — For criminal history information from other jurisdictions, FBI-approved channelers for departmental order submissions can request records from the FBI or other states directly.¹²
5. New Jersey Courts Expungement Process — Details on how to get criminal records sealed or expunged in NJ can be found on the Judiciary website for eligible cases.¹³ Expunged matters will no longer appear in public background searches.
6. New Jersey Sex Offender Registry — Public website allows searches by name, city/county to access Tier classification and offense details of registered sex offenders currently living in NJ.
7. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator Tool — For criminal history information on offenders incarcerated in federal facilities at any time, including any who served time in New Jersey.

How To Run a Bergen County Court Case Search

There are several options for running a Bergen County court case search. The first approach entails the use of resources within the county to access the needed records. Bergen County does not have a standard means for online access of records from the county level of government.

However, citizens can use New Jersey Courts Online Records Request Form to access the desired records.

Additionally, some third-party providers fill in this county-level gap.

One approach is by using the Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division. This court handles civil cases where the amount in dispute is over $15,000, along with family matters, probate cases, and municipal appeals. Court records can be searched online through the New Jersey eCourt Civil Case Jacket Search.¹⁵

The Superior Court of New Jersey Chancery Division handles matters of equity like trusts, guardianships, foreclosures, and contract disputes. Records can be searched online through eCourt Civil Case Jacket Search or third-party providers. In addition, the Superior Court of New Jersey Criminal Division manages indictable criminal cases like felonies, domestic violence, and certain drug offenses.

There is no online records portal, but the Clerk’s Office can provide search assistance.

Another court is the Superior Court of New Jersey Special Civil Court, which oversees civil cases under $20,000, like small claims, landlord/tenant disputes, and consumer matters. Case records are not available online but can be requested from the court. Lastly, there are the municipal courts which manage non-indictable offenses like disorderly person charges and ordinance violations.

Case information must be obtained from each municipal court.

How To See Marriage, Divorce, Birth & Death Records in Bergen County New Jersey: Vital Records

Bergen County public records document important events like marriage, divorce, birth, and death. Government agencies maintain these records for legal, genealogical, and administrative purposes.

In New Jersey, vital records are primarily managed at the state level through the New Jersey Department of Health’s Office.¹⁶ This office oversees the collection, maintenance, and issuance of certified vital record certificates statewide.

Some of the key reasons to request vital records include:

• When researching family history or genealogy, finding information about marriages, divorces, births, and deaths.
• Obtaining certified birth/death certificates for identification purposes, school/work enrollment, passport applications, Social Security eligibility, and inheritance matters.
• Verifying marriages, divorces, and legal name changes for property and insurance transactions, estate settlements, and changes of benefits.

Additional types of vital records maintained by New Jersey include civil union licenses and domestic partnership registrations. Stillbirth certificates are also available by following the standard process.

The New Jersey Department of Health provides forms and instructions for ordering certified copies of marriage, divorce, and birth/death records by mail. Their website is a helpful starting point for obtaining Bergen County vital records from the state level.

Review Marital Information & Obtain Certificates in Bergen County Through the New Jersey Registrar of Vital Statistics

While the Bergen County Clerk of Court can provide some assistance and insight into marital records, both marriage and divorce documents are primary acquired from the state custodian of vital records. Here are the critical details about obtaining vital records in New Jersey:

• The New Jersey Department of Health oversees the registration and issuance of certified vital records like birth/death certificates and marriage/divorce documents.
• Records are maintained by the Office of Vital Statistics and Registration. Certified copies with the raised seal can only be obtained from this office or local registrars to establish identity or legal purposes.
• Requests require identification proofs, relationship documentation (if not self), and fees. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, phone, or in person.
• Certified copies have identifying information and are printed on secure paper. Certifications do not establish identity and exclude details like cause of death or SSN.
• Each copy of these records costs $25 with additional $2 for a copy of the same records at that given moment.
• Records over 120 years old can be obtained for genealogy through Archives instead of Vital Records.
• An Apostille seal may be additionally required when submitting vital records internationally for uses like dual citizenship or foreign adoption.
• Citizens can also use VitalChek to access the same records at a standard rate of $25.

The New Jersey Registrar of Vital Statistics maintains records of marriages and divorces that have taken place in Bergen.

For marriages after 1931, a free search can be conducted on their public records portal. This displays limited information but does not provide certified copies.

Certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates may be obtained for a $25 fee each; there is a standard processing fee of $5 and a non-refundable identification fee of $5. Requests can also be mailed in using the proper forms and including payment.

Search Births & Deaths in Bergen County Through the New Jersey Registrar of Vital Statistics

For births in Bergen County from 1923-present and deaths from 1941-present, certified copies of certificates can be obtained through the New Jersey Registrar of Vital Statistics.

The application form and instructions for requesting birth and death certificates are available on the NJDH Vital Records website. Requesters must provide identifying information for the person on the record, their relationship to that individual, and why the record is needed. Certified copies are $25 each.

Completed applications with payment should be mailed to:

New Jersey Department of Health
Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
P.O. Box 370
Trenton, NJ 08625-0370

If a record originated outside of Bergen County or New Jersey, the equivalent vital records office in that jurisdiction may need to be contacted instead. Citizens can also use VitalChek to access the same records at a standard rate of $25.¹⁷ Thereafter, there are various charges such as processing fees which range from $12 to $50.

How To Look Up Free Property Records & Taxes in Bergen County New Jersey

Property records and tax assessments for Bergen County can be found through the Bergen County Department of Planning and Economic Development.¹⁸

Citizens can concurrently use third-party websites that allow users to look up properties by address, block, lot, name, or other identification.

Such sites display information like the owner’s name, physical attributes of the property such as living area and lot size, and current assessed value and tax amounts owed. Property sales history dating back several years is also viewable.

Property deeds and documents can also be searched on the Bergen County Clerk’s online database. Their office handles property transfers and recordings.

Property owners wishing to dispute their assessment should contact the Tax Board of Bergen County. Assessed values and tax information may also be available through each municipality’s tax collector’s office. The Bergen County websites provide many free search options for residents and businesses to access data on properties throughout the county.

Using Bergen County Public Records Ethically & Understanding Citizens’ Rights

Citizens have the right to access and utilize publicly available records for both personal and professional purposes. However, there are ethical considerations and legal guidelines that should be followed.

When accessing records for personal reasons, citizens have broad rights to search public information. Anyone can access the records for personal use as long as it’s not for criminal purposes like stalking, harassment or identity theft.

Also, people have a right to know basic information about others, like addresses and family connections, from the available records. However, while public records searches do not require consent, citizens should balance their interests with respect for others’ privacy.

For professional background checks, there are important legal considerations. Checks for employment, licensing, loans, housing, and similar matters must comply with the FCRA.

Key agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforce these laws. For instance, background checks require written consent. Employers must also send adverse action notices if a check leads to rejection.

It is also important to note that New Jersey has a “ban-the-box” law and the Opportunity to Compete Act which prohibit employers with 15 or more employees from asking about an applicant’s criminal history early in the hiring process.

Additionally, when records are accessed for professional use, the information should not be used for credit checks, employment decisions, housing applications, or other FCRA-protected purposes without consent. As such, organizations should educate themselves on fair information practices.

If citizens feel their background check rights have been violated, they can file complaints with the EEOC, the FTC or state agencies for assistance.

Citizens should also learn about their FCRA rights, such as the right to:

• Be told if information in your file has been used against you
• Ask for a credit score
• Dispute inaccurate information
• Opt out of prescreened offers
• Seek damages for violations

Here are the fundamental rights that citizens have under the Fair Credit Reporting Act:¹⁹

• The right to be told if negative information in their consumer report was used against them, such as to deny a credit application or other adverse action. Citizens/Individuals have the right to know the name, address, and phone number of the consumer reporting agency that provided the information.
• The right to know what is contained in their file at a consumer reporting agency. Citizens/Individuals can obtain a copy of their consumer report from the reporting agency to review for accuracy and completeness.
• The right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information with the consumer reporting agency. The agency must investigate unless the dispute is frivolous. Inaccurate or unverifiable information must be removed or corrected generally within 30 days.
• The right to have outdated negative information removed from their consumer report. Negative information (other than bankruptcies) that is over seven years old or bankruptcies over ten years old generally cannot be reported.
• The right to have their consent before a consumer report is provided to an employer. Written consent is generally required before a report can be obtained for employment purposes.
• The right to limit “pre-screened” credit and insurance offers by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT to opt out of receiving these types of offers.
• The right to seek damages from violators of the FCRA. Individuals may be able to sue credit reporting agencies or users of consumer reports in state or federal court for FCRA violations.

Identity theft victims and active-duty military personnel have additional rights such as extended fraud alerts.

Here are the steps to file a complaint if you believe that a professional background check has been unlawfully used against you:

• To file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC, visit their website. This page provides helpful instructions on how to file a discrimination charge, either online, by phone, in person at a local EEOC office, or by mail.²⁰
• The EEOC enforces laws against workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability and genetic information.
• If your employer obtained your background check report without permission or rejected you without following proper procedures, you can file a report with the FTC.
• You can also file a complaint with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development or the state civil rights commission. State agencies may be able to assist with additional types of discrimination claims.
• The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division on Civil Rights is another good resource for anyone who feels they may be the victim of discrimination.
• Be sure to file your complaint promptly, as strict filing deadlines usually vary based on the circumstances and location of the alleged discrimination. Providing detailed information will help the appropriate agency conduct a proper investigation into your claims.

Proper research of relevant laws is also needed for compliance. In principle, such laws safeguard from unwarranted invasion of privacy starting from how the data is collected to how it is used.

In summary, records are available and accessible to any citizen looking to find out more about somebody else’s past or double-check their own information files; however, it is also important to be aware of the ethical use of information and individuals’ privacy rights as you use the methods covered here to conduct a free search of Bergen County Public records.