essex-county-jail-commissary-list details help families send items to loved ones at the Essex County Correctional Facility. People held in this jail need snacks, soap, and phone time. You can use this list to see what they can get and how much things cost. The jail works with companies like Jail Exchange, Access Securepak, and ConnectNetwork. Each company has a role in getting goods to the inmates. You must follow the rules to make sure your loved one gets their items. Most orders happen online or through a phone call. This page shows the steps you need to take today.
How to Use the Essex County Jail Commissary List
The essex-county-jail-commissary-list is a tool for people outside the jail. You start by looking at what the jail allows. Inmates cannot have everything. They can have items like chips, candy, and clean clothes. You look at the list through the Jail Exchange portal. First, create a user profile. You will need to use a real email address. The system will send a link to confirm your email. Once you click that link, you can log in. Select New Jersey as your state. Then pick Essex County Correctional Facility. This jail is in Newark. Search for the inmate by their full legal name. You can use their booking number if you have it. Always check the date of birth. This ensures the money goes to the right person. Wrong names can cause delays or lost funds.
Once you see the inmate name, you can see the shop. The shop shows prices for every item. Prices can change based on what the jail’s supplier charges. Inmates can use the money you send to pick what they want. They might choose fresh fruit or a hygiene kit. Some inmates prefer to spend money on phone minutes. The jail sends a notice to the inmate once the money is in their account. This usually happens in 15 minutes. They can then go to the commissary window or use a kiosk to order. The items arrive at their housing unit on set days. Most units get their items twice a week. If a holiday happens, the schedule might shift.
Access Securepak Package Program
Access Securepak is another way to send things. This is a package program. It is different from the regular commissary. With this program, you pick the items yourself. You go to the website at www.accesssecurepak.com. This site stays open 24 hours a day. It works well on cell phones. You can scan barcodes from the jail catalog to add items to your cart. Payments happen through secure links. The system keeps a record of everything you buy. This helps if there is a problem later. After you pay, the order goes to the jail warehouse. Staff there check the inmate’s ID. They make sure the inmate is still in the jail. Then they pack the items. Most packages arrive at the housing unit in two business days.
You can track these packages online. The dashboard shows if the order is still being packed. It will say “Delivered to Facility” once it gets to the jail. If an inmate moves to a different jail, the package might be returned. You should check the inmate’s location before you spend money. The site has a live chat for help. This chat is open Monday through Friday. It opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at midnight. On Saturdays, it is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This chat can answer questions about sizes for clothes. It can tell you if an item is out of stock. If you need to change an order, do it fast. Once the package is mailed, you cannot change it.
Package Limits and Rules
The jail has strict limits on packages. You cannot send more than the jail allows. Usually, there is a weight limit. Most packages stay under 30 pounds. If a package is too heavy, the jail will not take it. There is a dollar limit too. You might be limited to $100 or $200 per week. Check the current limit on the Access Securepak site. They list all the rules for Essex County. Some items are prohibited. You cannot send metal or glass. Everything must come in plastic or paper. The staff opens every box. They look for things that should not be there. If they find bad items, they take them away. They might throw them out or send them back. The inmate does not get them.
Depositing Funds into the Trust Fund
The trust fund is the main bank account for an inmate. This is where the money for the essex-county-jail-commissary-list stays. You can put money here through ConnectNetwork. They use Site ID 13 for Essex County. This facility is at 354 Doremus Avenue. The money in this account pays for many things. Inmates use it for snacks and body wash. They can buy stamps to write letters. It also pays for phone calls. You can use a credit card or a debit card to add money. Some people use ACH transfers from a bank. There is a $500 daily limit for deposits. The jail does not allow an inmate to have more than $1,200 total. If you try to send more, the system will block it.
Money usually shows up fast. Most inmates see the funds in 15 minutes. They get a printed receipt or a message on their tablet. They can then use that money immediately. If you have trouble, call the customer service line. ConnectNetwork has a dashboard that shows your history. You can see every time you sent money. You can see if the inmate spent it. This helps you manage your budget. Some people send a small amount every week. This keeps the inmate’s balance steady. Inmates can also use this money to buy “link” credits. These credits pay for electronic messages and video visits. It is the best way to stay in touch.
CorrectPay for Faster Deposits
CorrectPay is a third service used at this jail. It handles commissary deposits and video visits. You can use their website or a kiosk in the jail lobby. The lobby kiosk takes cash. This is good for people who do not have a bank account. You put the cash in the machine and type the inmate’s name. The money goes to the account right away. You can call 855-836-3364 to do this over the phone. CorrectPay is very fast. Most deposits take less than five minutes to process. They also handle messaging. Inmates get these messages on their tablets. It is faster than regular mail. Each message costs a small fee from the trust fund.
Video visits happen through this platform too. You must schedule these visits in advance. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Inmates can have up to three visits each week. You need a computer or a smartphone with a camera. The jail checks your ID before the visit starts. You must follow the dress code. If you do not follow the rules, the jail will end the call. They will not give your money back. CorrectPay does not fix problems with the items the inmate buys. If the inmate gets the wrong soap, they must talk to the jail staff. CorrectPay only handles the money and the tech for the calls.
Standard Items on the Commissary List
The essex-county-jail-commissary-list has many categories. Food is the most popular category. Inmates buy things that the jail kitchen does not serve. They like spicy ramen and tuna pouches. They can buy salt and pepper to flavor their meals. Hygiene is another big category. The jail gives basic soap, but it is not great. Inmates buy better shampoo, lotion, and deodorant. They can buy toothbrushes and toothpaste. These items help them stay clean and healthy. Apparel is also on the list. Inmates can buy white t-shirts, socks, and underwear. They might buy shower shoes to keep their feet safe in the bathroom. They can buy sweatshirts for when the cells are cold.
| Category | Common Items | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Snacks | Chips, Ramen, Tuna, Candy | $0.50 – $4.00 |
| Hygiene | Soap, Lotion, Deodorant | $1.50 – $7.00 |
| Apparel | Socks, T-shirts, Underwear | $3.00 – $15.00 |
| Stationery | Stamps, Paper, Pens | $0.25 – $12.00 |
| Electronics | Earbuds, Batteries | $2.00 – $25.00 |
Prices on the essex-county-jail-commissary-list are often higher than a normal store. This is because the jail has to pay for security and delivery. Every item must be checked for safety. Stationary is very important for inmates who like to write. They can buy envelopes and paper. Stamps are sold in books or as singles. Some inmates buy small radios or earbuds. This lets them listen to music or TV without bothering others. They can buy batteries for these devices. All electronics must be clear plastic so staff can see inside. This prevents people from hiding things in them.
Inmate Search and Roster Details
Before you use the essex-county-jail-commissary-list, you must find the inmate. The jail keeps a roster online. You can use the Inmate Lookup Tool on the ECCorrections website. There are two ways to search. Option one is using a name. Type the first and last name. The system will show a list of people. Look for the right birth date. Option two uses an ID number. This could be a booking number or a PDID. This is faster and more accurate. The search result tells you where the inmate is staying. It shows their housing unit. It also shows their next court date and their bond amount. If you see a release date, the inmate might be leaving soon.
You can also call the Inmate Records Unit at (973) 274-7500. They are open during the day. Give them the name and birth date. They can tell you if the inmate is still there. They can give you the booking number. You need this number for many things. It goes on every letter you send. It goes on every deposit you make. The roster is updated every day. If someone was just arrested, they might not show up yet. It can take a few hours for the system to update. Keep checking back if you do not see them. If they were moved to state prison, the roster will show that too.
Mail Rules and Shipping Packages
Sending mail is a cheap way to stay in touch. Inmates at Essex County can get as many letters as they want. You must write the address correctly. Put the inmate’s name and booking number on the envelope. The address is 354 Doremus Avenue, Newark, NJ 07105. All mail is opened by the security team. They look for drugs or weapons. Do not send stickers or glitter. Do not send perfume on the paper. These things are not allowed. If a letter has these things, the jail will throw it away. You cannot send cash in the mail. If you want to send money, use the online systems mentioned before.
Packages are different from letters. You cannot just mail a box from home. You must use the approved vendor, Access Securepak. If you mail a box yourself, the jail will refuse it. The only exception is for legal papers. Lawyers can send legal mail directly to the jail. Some inmates can get books. Books must come from a store like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. They must be new and paperback. Hardcover books are not allowed because they can be used as weapons. The mailroom staff checks every book for hidden items. This process takes time. It might take a week for an inmate to get their book after it arrives.
Communication Services and Costs
Talking to an inmate costs money. The essex-county-jail-commissary-list helps pay for these costs. Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid minutes. Prepaid is usually cheaper. You can buy these minutes through ConnectNetwork or CorrectPay. Inmates use the phones in their housing units. They can only call during certain hours. Usually, phones turn on at 8:00 a.m. and turn off at 10:00 p.m. Calls are limited to 15 or 20 minutes. The jail records all calls. Do not talk about illegal things. If you do, the jail can use the recording in court.
Electronic messaging is becoming very common. It is like email but for jails. You write a message on a website. The jail staff reviews it. Then the inmate reads it on a tablet. The inmate can write back. Each message costs a “stamp” or a credit. This is much faster than the post office. Some inmates have tablets that can play games or movies. They have to pay for this content using their trust fund money. These tablets do not have the real internet. They only connect to the jail’s secure network. It is a good way for inmates to stay busy and calm.
Rules for Visiting Essex County Jail
Visiting an inmate is a privilege. You must follow all the rules to keep this privilege. There are two types of visits: in-person and video. In-person visits happen at the jail in Newark. You must be on the inmate’s visitor list. To get on the list, the inmate must submit your name. The jail then does a background check. If you have a criminal record, you might be denied. You must bring a valid ID to every visit. A driver’s license or a passport works best. Children can visit too, but they must be with an adult. Only two adults and two children can visit at one time.
Video visits are more flexible. You can do them from home. You still need to schedule them. The cost is taken from your account or the inmate’s account. Make sure your internet is strong. If the call drops, you might lose your money. The jail monitors these calls just like phone calls. Wear modest clothes during the visit. Do not show anything inappropriate. If you break the rules, you will be banned from visiting. This ban can last for months or years. Being respectful to the staff is very important. They have a hard job and they expect you to follow orders.
Medical and Hygiene Needs
The jail provides basic medical care. If an inmate is sick, they can see a doctor. They must fill out a “sick call” form. This costs a small fee from their trust fund. If they have no money, the jail still treats them. The essex-county-jail-commissary-list allows them to buy extra health items. They can buy aspirin, cough drops, and vitamins. These items help with minor issues. If an inmate needs regular medicine, the jail pharmacy gives it to them. You cannot mail medicine to the jail. If the inmate has a special medical need, have their outside doctor contact the jail medical department.
Hygiene is vital for health in a shared space. The jail is crowded. Inmates need to wash their hands and bodies often. Buying soap and shampoo from the commissary is a top priority for most. They also buy laundry detergent. The jail washes their clothes, but some inmates like to wash their own small items in the sink. They can buy plastic bowls and spoons too. This helps them eat the food they buy from the store. Staying clean helps their mood. It makes life in a small cell a bit better. When you send money, you are helping them stay healthy.
Essex County Correctional Facility Details
The Essex County Correctional Facility is a large building. It holds many people who are waiting for trial. It also holds people who are serving short sentences. The facility is managed by the Essex County Department of Corrections. They focus on safety and order. The building is located in an industrial area of Newark. It is near the water. There is a large parking lot for visitors. When you go there, you must go through a metal detector. You cannot bring your phone or keys inside. You must leave them in a locker or in your car. This keeps the jail safe from contraband.
Official Contact Information:
- Address: 354 Doremus Avenue, Newark, NJ 07105
- Phone Number: (973) 274-7500
- Records Unit: (973) 274-7500 (Ask for Records)
- Website: www.essexdoc.com
- Visiting Hours: Vary by housing unit. Check the website or call for the current schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about the essex-county-jail-commissary-list. Many people feel confused when a loved one is arrested. These answers provide facts about how the system works. We use data from the jail and the vendors to help you. If you have a specific problem, calling the jail is the best step. These questions cover money, packages, and rules. We want you to feel confident when you help an inmate. Following these steps makes the process smooth for everyone involved.
How much money can I send to an inmate at once?
You can send up to $500 in one day. This is the limit for credit cards and bank transfers. The jail also has a limit on the total balance. An inmate cannot have more than $1,200 in their account. If they already have $1,000, you can only send $200. If you try to send more, the transaction will fail. This rule prevents inmates from having too much power or trading money for favors. It is a safety measure. You should check the inmate’s balance if possible before sending a large amount. Use the ConnectNetwork or CorrectPay apps to see your transaction history. If a deposit is rejected, the money usually goes back to your card in a few days. Always keep your receipts until the inmate confirms they have the money. This protects you if the system has a glitch.
What happens to the money if the inmate is released?
When an inmate leaves the jail, they get their money back. Usually, the jail gives them a debit card. This card has all the money that was left in their trust fund. They can use this card at any store or ATM. Some jails might give a check, but debit cards are more common now. If the inmate is moved to a state prison, the money goes with them. The jail staff transfers the funds to the new facility. This can take a week or two. The inmate will not be able to buy things during the move. Once they arrive at the new prison, the money shows up in their new account. If an inmate is released and they forget their card, they must contact the jail business office. The office will tell them how to get their funds. It is important to keep your contact details updated so the jail can reach you if needed.
Can I send a commissary package every week?
Yes, you can send packages through Access Securepak as often as the jail allows. Usually, there is a limit on the total weight or the total dollar amount per week. For Essex County, you should check the website for the current “quarterly” or “monthly” limit. Some jails only allow one package per month. Others allow one every week. If you try to order too many, the website will stop you. It will say you have reached the limit. This ensures that every inmate has a fair chance to get items. It also prevents the mailroom from getting too crowded. The packages are delivered on specific days. If you order on a Monday, the inmate might get it on Wednesday. If you order on a Friday, they might wait until the next Tuesday. Check the delivery schedule on the Access Securepak portal for the most accurate dates.
Why is some of the money I send taken by the jail?
The jail may take money for several reasons. First, there are fees for using the deposit services. ConnectNetwork and CorrectPay charge a fee for every transaction. This fee pays for the website and the security. Second, if the inmate owes money for medical visits, the jail will take it from the deposit. Each doctor visit has a small co-pay. Third, if the inmate caused damage to jail property, they might have to pay for it. The jail takes a percentage of every deposit to pay off these debts. Usually, they take 10% or 25% until the debt is gone. The rest of the money goes to the inmate’s commissary account. You can ask the inmate to look at their transaction sheet. This sheet shows exactly where the money went. It lists every purchase and every fee. This is the best way to track the funds.
Can I see the essex-county-jail-commissary-list without making an account?
No, you usually need an account to see the full list and prices. The jail vendors require a login for security. This ensures that only people who know an inmate can see the shop. Once you create an account and select the inmate, the shop opens. You can then browse the categories. You can see which items are in stock and which are sold out. Stock changes often. Sometimes a specific brand of chips is gone for a week. The jail updates the list as new trucks arrive. If you do not want to make an account, you can ask the inmate what they need. They have access to a list inside the jail. They can tell you the prices and the items they want most. This saves you time if you only want to send money for specific things.
What should I do if an inmate does not receive their package?
If a package does not arrive, start by checking the tracking. Go to the Access Securepak website and enter your order number. It will show if the package was delivered to the jail. If it says “Delivered” but the inmate does not have it, the jail might be holding it. Sometimes the mailroom is busy. Sometimes the inmate is in a restricted housing unit. If they are in “the hole,” they might not get their package until they move back to the general population. If the package is lost, you must contact the vendor. Call Access Securepak customer service. They will start an investigation. They talk to the jail staff to find the box. If they cannot find it, they will usually send a new one or give you a refund. Do not wait too long to report a missing package. Most companies require you to report it within 30 days.
Are there items that are never allowed on the list?
Yes, many things are banned for safety. You will never see glass bottles or metal cans on the essex-county-jail-commissary-list. These can be broken and used as weapons. Anything with alcohol is banned. This includes some types of mouthwash or perfume. You cannot buy items that are too large to fit in an inmate’s locker. Most items come in small, single-serve sizes. Tobacco is also banned in this facility. Inmates cannot buy cigarettes or vapes. If they are caught with these, they get in trouble. The jail only allows items that have been tested and approved. If an item is removed from the list, it is usually because it caused a security problem. The list is designed to keep everyone safe while giving inmates some comfort.