Essex County Sheriff’s Office – Newark, NJ

Law Enforcement and Court Security

The Essex County Sheriff’s Office, headquartered at the Veterans Courthouse in Newark, is the largest Sheriff’s department in New Jersey. As a constitutionally mandated law enforcement agency, it is primarily responsible for the safety and security of the county’s Superior Court vicinage, the transportation of inmates, and the processing of court orders. The Sheriff’s officers man the security checkpoints at all county court facilities, utilizing x-ray machines and metal detectors to ensure a safe environment for judges, staff, and the public.

Foreclosure and Civil Process

A major function of this office is the Civil Process Division, which handles the service of summonses, complaints, and writs of execution. The Foreclosure Unit conducts judicial sales of real property. These Sheriff’s Sales are typically held on Tuesdays at the Leroy F. Smith Jr. Public Safety Building (near the courthouse). Bidders must be prepared with a 20% deposit in certified funds immediately upon winning a bid.

Specialized Units

• Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI): Maintains criminal records and provides fingerprinting services.
• K-9 & Bomb Squad: Provides specialized detection capabilities for explosives and narcotics across the county.
• Office of Emergency Management (OEM): Coordinates disaster response and preparedness for Essex County.

Visiting the Office

The main administrative office is located on the 2nd floor of 50 West Market Street (Veterans Courthouse). Access to the building is strictly controlled; cell phones are often restricted in court areas, and visitors should expect rigorous security screening. The Sheriff’s Patrol Division operates 24/7 to support local police departments and ensure countywide safety.