Mercer County witnesses more than 6,000 arrests yearly, adding to the state's annual total of over 100,000. According to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act, arrest records are public documents and should be accessible online or in paper formats to promote transparency. However, the OPR Act prohibits public disclosure of juvenile arrest records and other reports that may compromise ongoing investigations. These records are available to only authorized agencies and the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office. Individuals named on restricted arrest records can get their records by visiting the record custodian with valid photo IDs. Note that some record custodians charge certain fees before processing requests.
Individuals can obtain Mercer County arrest records from the following local and state law enforcement agencies:
Arrest records are available at the Mercer County Sheriff's Office located at:
Mercer County Sheriff
175 South Broad Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609) 989-6100
The county sheriff may require basic information such as the detainee's name, date of birth, and arrest date to process a records request.
Mercer County police departments typically keep arrest records and make them publicly accessible. Some agencies offer recent arrest logs on their official websites. For instance, anyone can visit the Hamilton Township Police Division website to find the latest arrests and incidents within the town. Requesters may also submit online requests on the website or visit the police headquarters to view records in person. Other local agencies with online portals include the following:
Arrest records of offenders in Mercer County are generally accessible via the NJ Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) system. To perform a name-based check, navigate to the Criminal Records 212B online form. Afterward, enter the requester's name, phone contact, email address, and other personal details. Also include the subject's name, date of birth, and other relevant identifying information that may help narrow down the search. Next, submit the online request along with the $20 processing fee. The system will locate and show any criminal history records related to the entered information.
Detailed criminal records are provided exclusively to county residents who submit a personal request. To submit a Personal Record Request, individuals can book a fingerprinting appointment online via IdentoGO. It is also possible to schedule an appointment by calling the NJSP-approved fingerprinting vendor at (877) 503-5981. After reviewing the requester's fingerprints, the NJ State Police will issue and mail the criminal history record. Each fingerprint-based request cost $45.73.
Individuals interested in Mercer County arrest records may find them in the criminal court records maintained by the Superior Court Clerk's Office (SCCO). To access these records online, open the New Jersey Find a Case portal and select "Search Criminal Cases." Next, enter the case number or party name and the search result will display relevant case details, including arrest records if they are publicly available. Users may need to create an account or pay a fee for detailed case documents. Alternatively, fill out and submit the Records Request Form via the JEDS platform.
Mercer County arrest records are available on InfoTracer and other reputable third-party websites.
Mercer County has an arrest rate of 270 arrests per 100,000 residents, and the table below outlines the county's arrest statistics:
| Arrest Type | Number of Arrests |
|---|---|
| Murder | 24 |
| Robbery | 71 |
| Rape | 21 |
| Assault | 1,386 |
| Burglary | 127 |
| Arson | 3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 30 |
| Larceny | 959 |
| Total Crimes Against Persons (Violent Crimes) | 1,502 |
| Total Property Crimes | 1,119 |
| Others | 3,848 |
| Total Number of Arrests | 6,469 |
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Arrests
| Department | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Hightstown Police Department | 148 N Main St | (609)448-1234 |
| Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Central Reception and Assignment Facility | 2401 Stuyvesant Ave | 609-984-6000 |
| Mercer County NJ Juvenile Detention | 1440 Parkside Avenue | 609-434-4125 |
| New Jersey State Prison | 600 Cass St | 609-292-9700 |