Warrants are public records in Ocean County, New Jersey, pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records maintained by public agencies, including warrant information. The statute specifically designates court records, including warrants, as government records subject to public disclosure with certain exceptions for ongoing investigations or matters of public safety.
The Ocean County judiciary maintains these records in accordance with state regulations that promote transparency in government operations. Public access to warrant information serves several essential functions within the judicial system:
Certain limitations may apply to warrant records that contain sensitive information or could compromise ongoing investigations. In such cases, portions of the records may be redacted or temporarily sealed by court order in accordance with N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5.
Warrant records maintained by Ocean County authorities typically contain specific information as prescribed by New Jersey Court Rule 3:3-1. Standard elements included in these official documents are:
For bench warrants specifically, additional information may include the original court appearance date that was missed and any special instructions for law enforcement regarding the execution of the warrant.
Members of the public seeking to verify warrant status in Ocean County may utilize several no-cost resources established under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5, which mandates reasonable access to government records:
Visit the Ocean County Superior Court located at 118 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08754. Public terminals are available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).
Contact the Ocean County Sheriff's Office at 120 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753. The Records Division is available by phone at (732) 929-2044 during business hours.
Access the New Jersey Courts public portal for searchable case information, which may include warrant status for certain types of cases.
Utilize the Municipal Court Case Search for local warrants issued by municipal courts within Ocean County.
Individuals conducting searches should be prepared to provide proper identification and specific information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth when possible.
The Ocean County Sheriff's Office Field Services Unit is the primary agency responsible for executing warrants issued by Ocean County courts. Operating under the authority granted by N.J.S.A. 2A:10-8 and related statutes, this specialized unit processes and serves various types of warrants:
The Field Services Unit employs approximately 15 detectives and 6 police records clerks who manage the warrant process from issuance through execution. This unit maintains a database of active warrants and coordinates with other law enforcement agencies when necessary.
Ocean County Sheriff's Office
120 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08753
(732) 929-2044
Ocean County Sheriff's Office
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B:6-1, the Sheriff's Office is required to attempt service of warrants promptly and to maintain accurate records of all warrant activities, including attempts at service and final disposition.
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Ocean County in 2025 have several official channels available as established under New Jersey Court Rule 7:2 and related provisions:
Access the New Jersey Courts online case search system, which provides information on Superior Court matters including active warrants.
Contact the Ocean County Clerk's Office at 118 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08754, or by phone at (732) 929-2018. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Verify municipal court warrants through the Municipal Court Case Search portal, which covers local ordinance violations and minor offenses.
Inquire directly with the Ocean County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division at 120 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753, or by calling (732) 929-2044.
Check the Ocean County inmate lookup system if there is reason to believe a warrant has already been executed.
Individuals with active warrants are advised that appearing voluntarily to address the warrant may result in more favorable consideration by the court than waiting for arrest, as provided in N.J.S.A. 2A:10-8.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Ocean County follows procedures established under New Jersey Court Rules and the Open Public Records Act. Authorized methods include:
In-person inquiry at the Ocean County Superior Court Records Division, located at 118 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08754. Public access hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Direct contact with the Ocean County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division at 120 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753. This office maintains the most current warrant information and can be reached at (732) 929-2044.
Electronic verification through the New Jersey Judiciary's online portal, which provides access to certain court records including warrant information for cases that have been processed through the Superior Court system.
Review of municipal court records for warrants issued at the local level for ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and disorderly persons offenses.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5, government agencies may require proper identification from individuals requesting warrant information and may charge nominal fees for printed copies of records in accordance with established fee schedules.