Somerset County Jail Cuts Back Operations, Staff Reduced

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — In an effort to keep afloat, Somerset County Jail has entered a shared services agreement with Morris County and will now operate on a limited basis.

The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners has agreed to a five-year contract with Morris County to provide housing for Somerset County’s longer-term detainees.

Additionally, employees of the jail have been reduced by 40 through attrition, said Somerset County Public Information Officer Nathan Rudy to Patch.

This agreement with Morris County follows a study by a jail assessment working group, made up of Somerset County Board of County Commissioners and Sheriff Darrin Russo, formed last year to address the significantly reduced jail population. Read More: Future Of Somerset County Jail In Jeopardy As Inmate Population Declines

"The agreement with Morris County to provide jail services will deliver ongoing taxpayer savings while ensuring the needs of our detainees and the courts are met," said Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson.

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.

In 2023, the average number of Somerset County inmates held in the County facility was 125 per day, which is about one-third of the capacity.

"We've worked hard over the past year to find a solution that supports the Courts and our local police departments, protect public safety, and aids County staff impacted by the changes," said Russo. "Because of reduced populations, county jails throughout the state are working together to consolidate populations, and we are pleased to partner with Morris County to achieve this successful outcome."

To meet the needs of the courts and local law enforcement the Somerset County jail will continue to operate on a limited basis with the short-term housing of detainees scheduled for court hearings.

Detainees serving sentences or being held for longer periods will be served by the Morris County Jail.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.