New Jersey State Prison
Find messaging, video, and phone options for New Jersey State Prison. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- State Facility
- Security Level
- Maximum
- Inmate Capacity
- 1,600 approx.
- Established
- 1798
- Operated By
- New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC)
New Jersey State Prison Inmate Communication Overview
New Jersey State Prison is the highest-security state prison in New Jersey, operated by the New Jersey Department of Corrections and located in Trenton in Mercer County, the state capital. Originally established in 1798 as the New Jersey State Penitentiary, it is one of the oldest continuously operating prisons in the country. The facility has undergone significant renovation and reconstruction over the centuries and today serves as a maximum-security institution housing New Jersey's most serious long-term offenders and death row population. Trenton's location in central New Jersey puts it within reasonable distance of both Philadelphia and New York City.
Communication at New Jersey State Prison follows New Jersey DOC provider contracts. JPay is the platform for electronic messaging, photo sharing, and trust account money transfers. Families create a JPay account and add the inmate using their New Jersey SBI (State Bureau of Identification) number to begin correspondence. GTL manages phone calls and video visitation. Setting up a GTL AdvancePay account linked to your phone number allows you to receive inmate-initiated calls. Video visits through GTL are a practical option for families who cannot easily travel to Trenton.
Trenton's central location within New Jersey and its proximity to both major metropolitan areas makes it more geographically accessible than many state prisons in rural parts of the country. New York City is about 70 miles northeast, and Philadelphia is about 35 miles southwest. New Jersey Transit provides rail connections from both cities to Trenton, making in-person visits feasible for families in either metro area. For out-of-state families or those without transportation, JPay and GTL provide the primary means of regular contact.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Address
1 Trenton Way, Trenton, NJ 08611
Main Phone
(609) 292-9500
Administrative line — not for inmate calls
Official Website
Visit official siteCommunication Options
Available communication services at New Jersey State Prison.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: JPay
Full JPay messaging available. Requires NJ SBI number.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: GTL
Remote video visits available. Schedule in advance through GTL.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Provider: JPay
Digital photos via JPay. Subject to NJDOC content guidelines.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: GTL
Inmate-initiated calls via GTL. Fund AdvancePay account to receive calls.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: JPay
Trust account deposits via JPay for commissary and personal purchases.
Communication Providers at New Jersey State Prison
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
JPay
Electronic messaging, photo sharing, and trust account deposits. Uses NJ SBI number.
Learn More About JPayGTL
Phone calls and video visitation under the New Jersey DOC statewide contract.
Learn More About GTLCommunication Rules at New Jersey State Prison
- JPay requires the inmate's NJ SBI (State Bureau of Identification) number, not a name alone.
- JPay and GTL are separate platforms. Messaging stamps and phone funds are not interchangeable.
- Messages are reviewed by NJDOC staff before delivery.
- NJDOC system-wide accounts carry over if the inmate transfers to another New Jersey facility.
- Senders must be on the inmate's approved contact list.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — New Jersey State Prison
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do I message someone at New Jersey State Prison?
- Create a JPay account at jpay.com and add the inmate using their New Jersey SBI (State Bureau of Identification) number. Purchase stamps and send your message. NJDOC staff review messages before delivery, typically within 24 to 48 hours.
- What is an SBI number and where do I find it?
- The SBI (State Bureau of Identification) number is New Jersey's unique identifier for individuals in the state prison system. You can find it using the NJDOC inmate search at nj.gov/corrections. You will need this number to set up JPay messaging.
- How do I set up phone calls from New Jersey State Prison?
- Phone calls use GTL. Create an account at telmate.com or the GTL Connect app. Set up a prepaid AdvancePay account linked to your phone number and add funds. The inmate calls you from facility phones.
- How far is New Jersey State Prison from New York City and Philadelphia?
- NJSP is in Trenton, about 70 miles southwest of New York City and 35 miles northeast of Philadelphia. New Jersey Transit rail service connects Trenton to both cities. For families in either metro area, in-person visits are a realistic option.
- How do I send money to a New Jersey State Prison inmate?
- Trust account deposits are made through JPay. Log in, go to Send Money, and select New Jersey State Prison. Add funds via debit or credit card. Processing takes one to two business days.
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