What are Union City Public Records?
According to the Open Public Records Act, Union City public records are records created, maintained or kept on file by any public officer, agency, commission, political subdivision, or authority of the state, in the course of official business. Union public records may be documents, maps, drawings, written or printed books, papers, photographs, sound or video recordings, or any other record regardless of storage mode.
The Open Public Records Act provides access to public records and gives requestors the right to institute court proceedings if denied access. Anyone unjustly prevented from obtaining a public record may file an action in the Hudson County Superior Court or a complaint with the Government Records Council. However, all parties should note that the law does not allow public access to certain information, including the following:
- Photographs or videotapes of a deceased person taken by or for a medical examiner at the scene of death or during an autopsy, except used for criminal proceedings, research, or other uses as the law allows
- Personal firearm records
- Financial information, proprietary commercial information, or trade secrets
- All records protected by the attorney-client privilege. This exemption does not cover attorney invoices or bills, except where the bills contain protected information
- Security or emergency procedures and related information for a facility or building if disclosure would jeopardize the safety of the building or persons inside
- Portions of records that contain personal information, such as an individual's credit card number, driver's license number, unlisted phone number, or social security number
- Test questions, scoring keys, and related examination data for use in an academic or employment examination
- Personal information on a crime victim when requested by the person convicted, or an anonymous person
- Surveillance techniques or security measures if disclosure would risk the safety of persons or property
- State and local employee personnel and pension records, excluding the person's name, position, title, payroll record, salary, length of service, and termination details
- All records considered private or confidential by law
- All records considered confidential by court order
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Union City Crime Statistics
The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) publishes annual crime statistics from the state's law enforcement agencies through its Uniform Crime Reporting program. According to the NJSP's 2020 report, the Union City Police Department recorded a total of 1,388 offenses. Specifics were 10 rape cases, 42 robberies, 151 assaults, 98 burglary incidents, 1,017 reported larcenies, and 70 auto thefts. The report also revealed that there were 237 arrests and 225 clearances. In 2020, Union City had a crime rate of 1,453.90 per 100,000 persons.
The NJSP's 2019 report revealed a total of 1,273 crimes and a crime rate of 1,819.90 per 1,000 residents. Compared to the 2020 report, the total number of crimes and the city's crime rate both increased by 9%.
Are Union City Criminal Records Public?
Union City criminal records are not public records. New Jersey law considers criminal records confidential and does not allow members of the general public to obtain related information. However, the law allows attorneys, private detectives, and certain employers to obtain criminal history information. Government agencies may also obtain these records.
Eligible applicants may request criminal records from the Criminal Information Unit (CIU) of the New Jersey State Police. An in-state applicant that needs Union criminal records for one of the following reasons should book an appointment (Service Code: 2F1BH1) for fingerprinting services with the NJSP's vendor:
- Naturalization
- Visa
- Personal Record
- Good Conduct
- Immigration
- Expungement
Alternatively, applicants may book appointments (Service Code: 2F1BH1) for notarized requests, or schedule appointments (Service Code: 2F1BGJ) for employment purposes.
Out-of-state residents who are not within a 10-mile radius of New Jersey borders or included on the Restricted Zip Code List should complete an out-of-state request fingerprint card and mail the request to the following address:
IdentoGO
Cardscan Department - NJ Program
340 Seven Springs Way
Suite 250
Brentwood, TN 37027
How to Obtain Union City Police Reports and Arrest Records
Interested persons can obtain police reports and arrest records from the Union City Police Department. Residents can visit the Police Department to get records in person or submit mail requests. Each mail order requires a police report request form completed with the report number and the requestor's personal details. Each requestor should also include a copy of valid identification.
Union City incident reports cost $3, while a motor vehicle accident report costs $2. Mail requests should include money orders payable to "City of Union City". Parties should enclose the completed form. Money order, as well as proof of identification, and mail to the address below:
Union City Police Department
Attention: Bureau of Criminal Identification/Investigation
3715 Palisade Avenue
Union City, NJ 07087
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Union City
The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) provides public access to statewide sex offender information through its Sex Offender Internet Registry. Anyone can enter "Union City" in the provided city search to view a list of all sex offenders registered in the city. Alternatively, record seekers may search by area, name, internet name, or email. Using the area search requires a zip code, city, and address.
The registry also offers a separate list of non-compliant offenders. Available details include offenders' names, aliases, classification levels, physical descriptors, addresses, offense information, registration number, and photographs.
Searchers should note that information available online is subject to change and re-verification, and may therefore be inaccurate. Interested persons may contact the Hudson County Sheriff's Office to verify records.
How to Find Union City Inmate Records
The Hudson County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Center manages inmates from Union City. However, the department does not provide a public online database of county inmates. Anyone interested in verifying an inmate's incarceration status should submit requests that contain the inmate's name, booking information, and other known details. Parties should contact the department using the information below:
Hudson County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Center
30-35 South Hackensack Avenue
Kearny, NJ 07032-4690
Phone: (201) 395-5600 (Records Room: extensions 5083, 5084,5085)
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Union City Jail?
The Hudson County Adult Correctional Center allows family and friends to visit inmates at the facility. Visitors may schedule in-person visitations or remote video visits. Residents looking to visit in person should call the facility at (201) 395-5600 for information about the center's current visitation schedule.
For video visits, interested persons must register via the jail's third-party visitation vendor. Each video visit costs $4 for up to 10 minutes and $8 for up to 20 minutes. All persons must book video visits at least 1 day before the visitation date, but not more than 7 days in advance. Although prices are subject to change, current information will be available online during the scheduling process.
Visitors must also sign in online 15 minutes before the start time. Registered visitors who cancel at least 48 hours in advance will receive a full refund. Cancellations done between 24 and 48 in advance will only receive a 50% refund. Persons who cancel less than 24 hours before the appointment will not receive a refund.
Regardless of the visitation method, all visitors must strictly adhere to the facility's rules. Visitors must dress appropriately without provocative, revealing, or suggestive clothing. Also, visitors cannot exchange any item with the inmate.
What are Union City Vital Records?
Union City vital records contain details of life events in the city, including divorces, marriages, births, and deaths. These records are produced by government agencies and may function as official proof that the events took place. Union vital records are available at the Hudson County Superior Court or the Union City Clerk's Office. Interested parties may access most records by submitting mail or in-person.
Where and How to Obtain Union City Divorce Records?
Union City divorce records are obtainable from the Hudson County Superior Court through the Court Clerk's Office. Persons requesting by mail should submit a records request form completed with the full names of both parties to the divorce, the divorce date, case number, and other known details. The form should also identify the requestor and contain the person's personal contact details. A divorce certificate costs $10, while certified copies of a Final Judgment of Divorce cost $25 each.
Parties should note that the Final Judgment of Divorce may not contain terms of property settlement. Additional copy fees may apply to requests that require this information. All mail requests should include checks or money orders payable to "Treasurer-State of New Jersey".
Alternatively, applicants may submit completed records request forms through the Judiciary Electronic Document System, using "SCCO" as the division. Furthermore, residents that prefer in-person requests may visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office to obtain Union City divorce decrees. All applicants should submit requests to:
Hudson County Superior Court
William Brennan Courthouse
583 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: (201) 748-4400
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays
Where and How to Get Public Union City Marriage Records
Public Union City marriage records are obtainable from the Union City Clerk's Office. Parties may request these records by mail or visit the Clerk's Office for in-person requests. Under New Jersey law, only persons with a relationship to the subject of the record may obtain certified copies. All parties that cannot prove a relationship with the record's subject may only obtain plain copies. Eligible requestors include:
- The subject named on the record
- The subject's spouse or civil union partner
- The subject's parent, legal guardian, or legal representative
- Anyone authorized by a court order
- A government agency for official business
Interested persons should complete the application form with both partners' full names, event date, place of event, and county. All requests require an acceptable form of identification, and proof of relationship if requesting a certified copy. Acceptable ID includes a current and valid photo driver's license, a current and valid driver's license with an alternate form of ID if the license is without a photo, or two alternate forms of ID if one has the requestor's current address. A list of acceptable alternate forms of identification is available on the application form.
Each Union City marriage certificate costs $7. Persons requesting by mail must enclose all required documents with checks or money orders. In-Person requestors may make cash payments. All parties should submit requests to:
Union City Clerk's Office
3715 Palisade Avenue
Union City, NJ 07087
Phone: (201) 348-5731
Fax: (201) 392-3607
Where and How to Find Union City Birth Records
The Union City Clerk's Office maintains birth records and provides copies to requestors. However, only applicants with proof of a relationship with the record's subject can obtain certified copies of these records. All other parties may obtain plain certifications not valid for official purposes. According to state law, the following persons are eligible to receive copies of Union City birth records:
- The registrant named on the record
- The registrant's parent, legal representative, or legal guardian
- The registrant's spouse or civil union partner
- A requestor granted access by a court order
- A government entity requesting as allowed by law
Record seekers may submit completed copies of the vital records application form with acceptable ID as listed on the application form, and proof of a relationship with the registrant if requesting a certified copy. Each Union City marriage certificate costs $7, payable by checks or money orders for mail requests. In-person requestors may submit applications at the Clerk's Office and make cash payments. Record seekers should apply using the following details:
Union City Clerk's Office
3715 Palisade Avenue
Union City, NJ 07087
Phone: (201) 348-5731
Fax: (201) 392-3607
Where and How to Find Union City Death Records
Union City death records are available at the city Clerk's Office by mail or in person. Eligible requestors include the decedent's:
- Parent or legal guardian
- Spouse or civil union partner
- Legal representative
- Requestor with a court order granting access
- Government agency for official duties
Parties requesting certified copies must provide proof of a relationship with the person named on the record. Other persons can only obtain plan copies. Regardless, all parties may submit mail requests by completing the vital records application form with the decedent's full name, exact date of death, both parents' full names, and place of death. Each request costs $7, payable by cash, checks, or money orders. However, mail requestors should not send cash with requests. All parties should visit the Clerk's Office or submit mails to:
Union City Clerk's Office
3715 Palisade Avenue
Union City, NJ 07087
Phone: (201) 348-5731
Fax: (201) 392-3607
