TRENTON PUBLIC RECORDS

What Are Trenton City Public Records?

Trenton City’s employees create and administer public records according to New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act. The Act defines a Trenton public record as any document in written or printed form. The definition also includes drawings, plans, maps, microfilms, data processed documents, sound recordings, video recordings, or any digitally transmitted document that a municipal agent may create while carrying out public business. The Open Public Records Act does not make all New Jersey records available. It exempts the following types of documents from public view:

• Personal information that constituents share with lawmakers;
• Memorandum, correspondence, notes, report, or other communication that members of the Legislature used in the course of official duties;
• Medical examiner notes;
• Criminal investigative records and victim records;
• Trade secrets and proprietary information;
• Records under attorney-client privilege;
• Computer and building security records;
• Public employee-related records;
• Court records exempted by order;
• Honorable discharge certificates;
• Personal identifying information;

Trenton City Crime Statistics

The Trenton City Police Department’s Records Unit creates and maintains all of the city’s law enforcement records. It collates crime and arrest records into an annual report on public safety. These annual reports provide summary information on violent and property crimes within Trenton City. In a 2019 report, the Police Department recorded 937 violent crimes and 1,748 property crimes among Trenton’s 83,457 residents. Compared with 2018’s aggregated property and violent crime numbers, the 2019 figures were 27% lower. Among violent crimes in 2019, there were 15 murders, 70 rape cases, 300 robberies, and 552 cases of aggravated assault. These numbers translate to 6% fewer murders, 11% fewer robberies, and 3% fewer cases of aggravated assault than the previous year. Larceny-theft and vehicular theft both also dropped by 13% and 35%, respectively.

Are Trenton City Criminal Records Public?

According to the New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.) 13:59-1 et seq., Trenton City criminal records are only available to authorized persons, including:

• Federal, state, or municipal government entities and agents for any official government purpose
• Any person or non-governmental organization that wishes to perform a pre-employment check on another person
• State or municipal attorneys-at-law that require the records any for contested matters docketed in a court
• According to N.J.S.A. 45:19-8 et seq., state-licensed private detectives
• Individuals who wish to obtain their criminal record

Individuals, businesses, and government agencies can query the New Jersey State Police’s Criminal Information Unit (CIU) to obtain name-based and fingerprint-based Trenton City criminal history record checks. Fingerprint applicants must schedule appointments with a third-party provider through their online portal or by calling (877) 503-5981 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday or between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Saturday.

All applicants must download and complete Form A before arriving at the fingerprint appointment. Applicants that wish to get a notarized criminal history report must complete Form B or Form C if applying for a background check for employment purposes. Requesters that require background check results to go to an employer must complete Form D. All applicants must provide a valid government-issued ID and payment through prepaid debit cards and major credit cards.

How to Obtain Trenton City Police Reports and Arrest Records

The Trenton City Police Department’s Records Unit creates and maintains police reports. Individuals interested in obtaining Trenton City police reports may query the Records Unit in person or by mail. The Records Unit is open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Requesters must provide valid identification and describe the report accurately to get positive feedback. The fee schedule for copying Trenton City police reports is below:

• Pages 1 to 10: seventy-five cents per page
• Pages 11 to 20: fifty cents per page
• All pages after 20: twenty-five cents per page

Mail-in requests for Trenton City police reports cost $5 flat. The Police Department will only accept mail-in requests from the record’s subject, legal representative, or insurance company.

Trenton Police Headquarters
Records Office, 2nd floor
225 N Clinton Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08609

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Trenton City

Following New Jersey’s Megan’s Law, Trenton City sex offenders must register their details with the Police Department. The city police forward the information to the New Jersey State Police, who keep an active statewide log of sex offenders. The State Police makes Trenton City sex offender information available to the public via the New Jersey Sex Offender Registry. The registry provides information about the following types of sexual offenders:

• Tier 3 offenders, who are most likely to reoffend, and;
• Tier 2 offenders who are moderately likely to re-offend.

Interested persons may use the search tools on the New Jersey Sex Offender Registry to locate Trenton City sex offenders by name and email address. They may search using a specific street address or zip code.

How to Find Trenton City Inmate Records

Individuals with Trenton City convictions serve time in the Mercer County Correction Center - a short-term jail facility - in Hopewell Township. The Mercer County Sheriff maintains the correction center and keeps a log of all persons incarcerated in it. Individuals who wish to get information about incarcerated Trenton City inmates may query the Correction Center in person or in writing.

In-person

Mercer County Correction Center
1750 River Rd,
Lambertville, NJ 08530
Phone: (609) 583-3545

Mail-in

Mercer County Correction Center
640 S. Broad St.
Trenton, NJ 08650-0068
P.O. Box 8068

The New Jersey Department of Corrections also maintains a statewide log of incarcerated persons. Interested persons can query this log on the DOC’s Inmate Finder page. Researchers who have questions about the information on the inmate finder page may contact the DOC in writing at:

State of New Jersey
Department of Corrections
P.O. Box 863
ATTN: Correspondence Unit
Trenton, NJ 08625

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Trenton City Jail?

The Mercer County Correction Center, under the Mercer County Sheriff’s administration, is a short-term facility that houses Trenton City inmates. The County Sheriff allows friends and family to visit Trenton City inmates through a screen. Intending visitors must contact the jail to confirm visiting times and schedule appointments. Inmates may receive a maximum of two visitors at any time. Each screen visit lasts for an hour. Former inmates may not visit the Correction Center for up to a year after the initial release. All visitors must provide a government-approved ID. The prison accepts the following types of ID:

• Drivers License
• Welfare Card
• Employment ID card
• College or School ID
• Any State ID card
• A valid Passport

Adults must accompany any visitor seventeen years of age or younger. All visitors are subject to a pat-frisk search before entering the facility. Visitors may purchase food and drinks from the vending machines but may not bring food and drinks when visiting. The prison does not allow the following items in the visiting area:

• Handbags, paper, or plastic bags;
• Cellphones, tablets, cameras, or other digital devices;
• Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or any other intoxicating substances;
• Guns, knives, or any other weapons.

Visitors may not come to the facility wearing any of the following items:

• Orange-colored clothing;
• Sleeveless shirts;
• Spandex, short shorts, and mini-skirts;
• Sheer clothing;
• Low cut blouses;
• Pajama pants;
• Sweaters, coats, jackets, hats, or scarves.

Trenton City Court Records

Trenton City is under the Mercer County Superior Court’s jurisdiction. The Mercer County Superior Court tries Trenton City civil and criminal cases in two separate courthouses. It also has a surrogate court in Trenton City that handles issues such as probate of Wills, qualifying of Trustees, and appointment of administrators of estates.

The New Jersey Superior Court’s Record Center maintains Mercer County court records and provides copies of Trenton City court records. It offers online access to Trenton City court records through the Judiciary eCourts Public Access System.

The location of all courts in Trenton City are below:

Mercer County Civil Courthouse
175 South Broad St.
Trenton, NJ 08650-0068
Phone: (609) 571-4200

Mercer County Criminal Courthouse
400 South Warren St.
Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609) 571-4200

Mercer County Surrogate's Office
Mercer County Courthouse
175 South Broad Street, Room 420, P.O. Box 8068, Trenton, NJ 08650
Phone: (609) 989-6331

Are Trenton City Court Records Public?

Per New Jersey Court Rule 1.38, the public has a presumptive right to access all Trenton City court records, with some limited exceptions. Some examples of those exceptions include:

• Court records involving victims and witness data of sexual abuse;
• Court cases sealed by state or federal law;
• Domestic violence cases;
• Court records that a judge impounds;
• Juvenile incorrigible/delinquency court records.

How to Obtain Trenton City Civil Court Case Records

The Mercer County Superior Court tries Trenton City civil court cases. The New Jersey Superior Court’s Record Center maintains Mercer County court records and provides copies of Trenton City civil court case records. Interested persons may obtain them online or in-person.

For online access to Trenton City civil court case records, researchers may query the Judiciary eCourts Public Access System. The portal allows users to search for documents by name or case number. To obtain copies of Trenton City civil court case records, requesters must complete New Jersey Judiciary Records Request Form and email it to scco.mailbox@njcourts.gov. Requesters may also bring it in-person to:

Administrative Office of the Courts
Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex
Trenton, NJ 08625-0037

Plain copies of Trenton City civil court case records cost five-seven cents per page. Certified copies cost $15, and obtaining a Seal of the Court on a record costs $10.

How to Obtain Trenton City Criminal Court Records

All Trenton City criminal court cases are under the Mercer County Superior Court’s jurisdiction. The New Jersey Superior Court’s Record Center maintains Mercer County court records and provides copies of Trenton City criminal court records. Interested persons may obtain them online or in person. For online access to Trenton City criminal court case records, researchers may query the NJ Courts’ Criminal Case Portal. The portal allows users to search for documents by the defendant’s name or case number. To obtain copies of Trenton City criminal court records, requesters must complete a New Jersey Judiciary Records Request Form and email it to scco.mailbox@njcourts.gov. Requesters may also bring it in-person to:

Administrative Office of the Courts
Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex
Trenton, NJ 08625-0037

Plain copies of Trenton City criminal court case records cost five-seven cents per page. Certified copies cost $15, and obtaining a Seal of the Court on a record costs $10.

What are Trenton City Vital Records?

In Trenton City, vital records are official documents that mark significant life events among residents. Trenton City vital records include birth certificates, divorce records, marriage certificates, and death records. Per New Jersey statutes, Trenton City vital records are not in the public domain. Only the following people may request them:

• The record’s subject;
• The subject’s spouse or domestic partner;
• The subject’s immediate family members (parents, children, siblings, etc.);
• The subject’s legal representatives;
• New Jersey employees on official business;
• Anyone with a court order to obtain a vital record.

The New Jersey Superior Court’s Records Center maintains all Trenton City divorce records. Simultaneously, the Trenton City Office of Vital Statistics provides copies of Trenton City marriage, birth, and death certificates.

Where and How to Obtain Trenton City Divorce Records

The Mercer County Superior Court handles all Trenton City divorces. The New Jersey Superior Court’s Record Center maintains Mercer County court records and provides copies of Trenton City divorce records to the following persons:

• The divorcees;
• The divorcees’ immediate family members;
• The divorcees’ legal representatives;
• New Jersey employees on official business;
• Anyone with a court order to obtain a divorce record.

Eligible persons may request copies of Trenton City divorce decrees or divorce certificates by completing a New Jersey Judiciary Records Request Form and emailing it to SCCO.Mailbox@njcourts.gov or sending it to:

Administrative Office of the Courts
Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex
Trenton, NJ 08625-0037

Trenton City divorce certificates cost $10, while certified copies of divorce judgments cost $25. In-person requesters may pay in cash, while mail-in applicants may attach a check or money order payable to the Treasurer – State of New Jersey.

Where and How to Get Public Trenton City Marriage Records

The Trenton City Office of Vital Statistics provides copies of Trenton City marriage certificates from 1919, domestic partnership records from 2004, and civil union records from 2007 till the present. However, per New Jersey statutes, it does not make these records available to the public. Only authorized persons may obtain Trenton City marriage records.

Where and How to Get Confidential Trenton City Marriage Records

The Trenton City Office of Vital Statistics provides copies of Trenton City marriage certificates from 1919, domestic partnership records from 2004, and civil union records from 2007 till the present. It makes these records available to eligible persons, including:

• The married couple;
• The couple’s immediate family members (parents, children, siblings, etc.);
• The couple’s legal representatives;
• New Jersey employees on official business;
• Anyone with a court order to obtain a Trenton City marriage record.

Eligible persons may obtain certified copies of Trenton City marriage certificates by querying the Office of Vital Statistics in person or by mail. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Applicants must provide the following:

• The full name of the couple as it appears in the record;
• The exact date of the marriage or civil union;
• The place of marriage or civil union;
• Proof of relationship to the individual identified on the record;
• The number of copies needed;
• A statement of intent.

Mail-in applicants may complete an application for a vital record, include a copy of a valid ID, proof of eligibility, and the appropriate fee, and mail the completed package to the Office of Vital Statistics.

Trenton City Office of Vital Statistics
319 E State Street,
Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609) 989-3236

Copies of Trenton City marriage certificates cost $20 for the first, and $5 per additional copy ordered simultaneously.

Where and How to Find Trenton City Birth Records

The Trenton City Office of Vital Statistics manages the city’s birth register and offers copies of Trenton City birth certificates from to eligible persons, including:

• The registrant (above 18 years old);
• The registrant’s parents (listed on the record);
• The registrant’s spouse;
• The registrant’s immediate family members (children, siblings, etc.);
• The registrant’s legal representatives;
• New Jersey employees on official business;
• Anyone with a court order to obtain a Trenton City birth record.

Eligible persons may obtain certified copies of Trenton City birth records by querying the Office of Vital Statistics in person or by mail. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Applicants must provide the following:

• The registrant’s full name as it appears in the record;
• The mother’s full maiden name
• The full name of the father (if listed on the record)
• The exact date of birth
• The exact place of birth
• Proof of relationship to the registrant;
• The number of copies needed;
• A statement of intent.

Mail-in applicants may complete an application for a vital record, include a copy of a valid ID, proof of eligibility, and the appropriate fee, and mail the completed package to the Office of Vital Statistics.

Trenton City Office of Vital Statistics
319 E State Street,
Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609) 989-3236

Copies of Trenton City birth certificates cost $20 for the first, and $5 per additional copy ordered simultaneously.

Where and How to Find Trenton City Death Records

The Trenton City Office of Vital Statistics issues Trenton City Death certificates and makes certified copies available to authorized persons, including:

• The deceased’s parents;
• The deceased’s spouse;
• The deceased’s immediate family members (children, siblings, etc.);
• The deceased’s legal representatives;
• New Jersey employees on official business;
• Anyone with a court order to obtain a Trenton City death record.

Eligible persons may obtain certified copies of Trenton City death records by querying the Office of Vital Statistics in person or by mail. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Applicants must provide the following:

• The deceased’s full name as it appears in the record
• The deceased’s mother’s full maiden name
• The deceased’s father’s full name (if listed on the record)
• The exact date of death
• The exact place of death
• Proof of relationship to the deceased;
• The number of copies needed;
• A statement of intent.

Mail-in applicants may complete an application for a vital record, include a copy of a valid ID, proof of eligibility, and the appropriate fee, and mail the completed package to the Office of Vital Statistics.

Trenton City Office of Vital Statistics
319 E State Street,
Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609) 989-3236

Copies of Trenton City death certificates cost $20 for the first, and $5 per additional copy ordered simultaneously.