Future Of Somerset County Jail In Jeopardy As Inmate Population Declines

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — The future of the Somerset County Jail is in jeopardy as the inmate population has significantly declined.

As a result, the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners and Sheriff Darrin Russo have jointly created a jail assessment working group.

"The working group has just begun to investigate what a reduction of jail services looks like here in Somerset County," said County Administrator Colleen Mahr. "The process will require Somerset County to find a place for its inmates in another facility, while still supporting local law enforcement and the Courts with the necessary transportation to, and from, jail."

The reduction in inmates can be linked to New Jersey's landmark 2017 bail reform law, which prohibits courts from granting or denying bail based on who can pay, according to Somerset County.

As a result, the number of inmates statewide has decreased since New Jersey largely eliminated cash bail, and populations dropped further during the pandemic.

Over the last year, the average number of Somerset County inmates held in the County facility has been 125 per day, which is about one-third of the capacity.

Along with the jail assessment working group, Somerset County is working with various employee unions, outside vendors, and the courts to ensure an orderly transition.

"I am committed to making sure that the dedicated uniform and civilian staff who have worked for the residents of Somerset County are treated fairly and with respect during this process," said Russo. "We will do our best to assist impacted employees."

No specific timelines have been established for this process.