Bureau of Law Enforcement Undersheriff: Keith Armstrong The Bureau of Law Enforcement represents the enforcement arm of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and its personnel are tasked with carrying out the statutory responsibilities of the sheriff as mandated by the state constitution. The units which comprise the bureau are described in more detail below. Bureau of Law Enforcement Units Canine Unit The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office currently has three working K-9 teams. Each team consists of an officer and a canine which has been specially trained and certified in accordance with guidelines established by the New Jersey Attorney General. K-9 teams are deployed to perform duties such as search and rescue, narcotic and explosive detection, criminal apprehension, evidence recovery, building searches and tracking. The teams are also utilized to prevent the introduction of contraband into the judicial center and the jail. Civil Process Unit The Civil Process Unit carries out the sheriff’s statutory responsibility for the service of process. These legal documents originate from the courts, government agencies and private attorneys and include summons, subpoenas and various writs. The unit is also responsible for the enforcement of court orders such as wage garnishments, evictions, levies and sheriff’s sales . Communications Center The Communications Center provides 24-hour radio communication for the Bureau of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Corrections, Division of Emergency Management and Fire Marshal. It also handles calls after-hours for a number of Sussex County agencies including the road department, health department, prosecutor’s office, HAZ-MAT and medical examiner’s office. Additionally, personnel monitor security cameras and building access points throughout the Sussex County Judicial Center, dispatch personnel, answer phone inquiries from the public and conduct records searches utilizing databases from the NJ Division of Motor Vehicles (NJDMV), NJ Wanted Persons System (NJWPS) and the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Courts and Transportation Unit The Courts and Transportation Unit is responsible for providing security and maintaining a safe environment for all visitors and employees within the Sussex County Judicial Center. Personnel in this unit also handle the transportation and monitoring of inmates to court and other institutions/jurisdictions statewide. Internal Affairs Unit The function of the Internal Affairs Unit is to ensure that all members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office act in accordance with office policies, rules and regulations. All complaints are thoroughly investigated in a fair and impartial manner by a specially trained investigator. Upon completion of an investigation, a confidential report is turned over to the sheriff for his review and disposition. If the investigation shows that a crime may have been committed, the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office will be notified. If the investigation finds that a complaint is unfounded, the matter will be closed. Search and Rescue Unit With eight state and federal parks and 15,000 acres of wildlife management areas, Sussex County’s 536 square miles offer an abundance of opportunities for outdoor activities. As a consequence, the potential for outdoor emergencies and the need for a rapid response is equally abundant. The Search and Rescue Unit has the skilled personnel and the necessary equipment to launch an effective, rapid and safe search and rescue mission at any time of the day or night, in any type of weather. Traffic Unit The Traffic Unit assists in the enforcement of motor vehicle laws, primarily in Sussex County towns that do not have their own municipal police agencies. Warrant Unit The Warrant Unit is responsible for carrying out criminal investigations and overseeing the execution of Superior Court warrants. These types of warrants include, but are not limited to, violations of probation, non-support failures to obey, failures to appear as well as civil arrest warrants.

Bureau of Corrections The Bureau of Corrections is responsible for the care, custody and control of all inmates who have been committed to incarceration on Sussex County matters. The Bureau of Corrections has maintained compliance with the standards prescribed by the state for adult county correctional facilities. In the fall of 2019, Sussex County and Morris County entered into a shared service agreement allowing for all Sussex County inmates to be housed at the Morris County Correctional Facility. The Sussex County Bureau of Corrections personnel supervise inmates during transports for admission at the Morris County Correctional Facility, court hearings and medical appointments. The Bureau of Corrections also oversees the SLAP Program, available to certain persons sentenced to a term of imprisonment in which the beneficiaries are local nonprofit organizations and government agencies. The Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP) provides a safe alternative to incarceration for individuals sentenced for non-violent offenses. In lieu of serving time in jail, SLAP program participants perform a wide range of community service throughout Sussex County under the supervision of sheriff’s officers on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

About Administration Under the leadership of Sheriff Michael Strada, the sheriff’s office provides numerous services to the citizens and local police agencies of Sussex County. Professional Standards It is the policy of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to accept and investigate all complaints of alleged officer misconduct or wrongdoing from any citizen or agency employee. Bureau of Corrections The Bureau of Corrections is responsible for the custody and care of incarcerated persons. Bureau of Law Enforcement The Bureau of Law Enforcement represents the enforcement arm of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Its personnel are tasked with carrying out the statutory responsibilities of the sheriff as mandated by the state constitution. Communications Center The Sussex County Sheriff’s Communications Center provides regular dispatch services for the sheriff’s office and serves as a PSAP for enhanced 911 calls. Emergency Management The Division of Emergency Management coordinates the efforts of police, fire, EMS, public works, public health and a myriad of volunteer organizations during emergencies. Fire Marshal The fire marshal supports and facilitates the safety of the general public through fire safety education, supporting fire safety legislation and fire prevention education programs to minimize the loss of property and life. Employment The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office hires employees based on the results of an open competitive law enforcement entry level examination given by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Sheriff’s Office History The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office came into existence in 1753 and for well over 200 years now, has steadfastly remained committed to serving the residents of Sussex County. .

Communications Center Director: Eric Muller The Sussex County Sheriff’s Communications Center came online in 1990 as a two dispatch position center and has evolved over the years to become a ten dispatch position, capable of serving as a single point Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for all of Sussex County. Now located on county-owned property in Frankford Township, the facility answered its first 9-1-1 call on December 16, 2014 at 2:24 p.m. reporting a residential smoke condition in Hampton Township. The communications center provides regular dispatch services for the sheriff’s office and serves as a PSAP for enhanced 911 calls. The center currently serves thirteen local municipalities with 911 answering/emergency dispatch service: Branchville Borough Byram Township Frankford Township Fredon Township Green Township Hampton Township Lafayette Township Montague Township Sandyston Township Stillwater Township Sussex Borough Walpack Township Wantage Township HISTORY OF THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER The Sussex County Sheriff’s Communications Center came online in 1990 to facilitate coordination of the various duties and responsibilities of sheriff’s personnel and to improve measures to ensure the safety of its members. The two dispatch position center supported the sheriff’s officers in carrying out their official tasks daily and during the evening hours. Some of those measures included establishing regular radio communications between: sheriff’s officers and corrections personnel moving inmates to and from court appearances sheriff’s officers in the field serving various civil processes sheriff’s officers in the field serving domestic violence restraining orders and carrying out court ordered evictions sheriff’s personnel and other agencies delivering mutual aid assistance when requested In 1995, the communications center began to staff and run the operation continuously, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The new operation consolidated the sheriff’s dispatch and public works dispatch operations as an effort to more efficiently manage the responsibilities involving emergencies supported by county based services. It also relieved the county corrections facility, the only 24-hour manned operation, from duties outside the scope of normal corrections responsibilities. The center was staffed with 5 dispatchers per day (2 day shift, 2 afternoon, 1 midnight) and those additional tasks included but not were not limited to: Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Sussex County Fire Marshal Sussex County HazMat Team Sussex County Medical Examiner’s Office Sussex County Department of Public Works Sussex County Facilities Management Sussex County Health Department Sussex County Office of Emergency Management With the new millennium upon us, the state of New Jersey continued to encourage the consolidation of Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in the interests of efficiency and economy. There were also technology changes being introduced. The Next Generation 911 (NG9-1-1) was announced as the replacement to the current Enhanced 9-1-1 system and discussions were held relating to the financial impacts to the PSAPs. Consolidation studies funded by the state by RCC Consultants (2000) and the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development/Bloustein School/Rutgers (2006) both concluded with recommendations to consolidate PSAPs for the purpose of improved service and economy. [New Jersey 911 Consolidation Study, October 2006] In April 2006 the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders awarded a contract to RCC Associates to conduct a PSAP consolidation feasibility study for Sussex County . The study focused on analyzing the benefits of consolidating the six PSAPs in Sussex County into one or more countywide PSAPs. RCC delivered its findings and recommendations in a report to the freeholder board in June 2007 recommending consolidation to a single PSAP. In January 2008, the freeholders established the Sussex County 9-1-1 Telecommunications Working Group (TWG) to further the conclusions drawn from the RCC study and to gauge the public interest and support in consolidating the PSAPs into one center. [2008 freeholder resolution establishing TWG] In August 2008 the county received a grant through the New Jersey Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services in the amount of $220,000.00 for the “PSAP Consolidation to Regionalization Project.” [Sussex County 2008 news article] Using that grant, the freeholders commissioned Kimball & Associates in February 2009 to expand upon the previous consolidation studies and recommendations, and develop guidance and support for the planning and implementation of a countywide consolidated PSAP. The planning guide for PSAP consolidation was delivered to the county freeholder board in February 2010. [Kimball & Associates Consolidation Planning Guide] In a report by the TWG, a motion was made and unanimously carried that “The Sussex County Telecommunications Working Group recommends to the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders the findings of the report of L. Robert Kimball and Associates dated February 2010 and specifically recommends the consolidation of the six current public safety answering points into one county-administered and operated central 9-1-1 center in all respects.” [2010 TWG recommendation] In 2012, the sheriff and the freeholders broke ground on the construction of a ten position stand-alone communications center on county owned property in Frankford Township. The project sought to consolidate an ongoing sheriff’s capital project plan to refurbish the existing 20-year old sheriff’s dispatch center with the TWG recommendations, local emergency service interests and resolution support by officials from local municipalities to consolidate local emergency dispatch services. [Sandyston Township solution] This dispatch center was purposely designed to continue supporting the regular duties and responsibilities of the sheriff’s office. It would also be capable of answering emergency 911 calls and dispatching emergency services for the entire county. [County fire chiefs association letter] FACILITIES The Sussex County Sheriff’s Communications Center was designed and constructed to be able to serve as a single point Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) serving all of Sussex County. The center was built as an addition to the existing emergency operating center in Frankford Township to be in compliance with federal and state construction standards, which include minimizing the potential for threats from natural or human sources. The center is located on a secured site and is continuously monitored through alarms systems and video surveillance. Ten 911 console positions are located on the main communications floor. Positions are staffed to meet the demands of the services that are requested, but a minimum of 2 public safety telecommunicators (PST) are staffed continuously. All data, radio, telephone and other electronic systems are supported by a number of robust redundancy measures to ensure the services can continued to be provided when normal service resources are interrupted. By original design, the communications center is supported by a backup facility, often referred to as a “hot site.” The backup site serves as a redundant communications site to the center located in Frankford Township. Real time synchronization between the two sites is used to completely mirror the environment of the main communications site in Frankford using wide area network links and specialized software. In the event of a disruption to the main Frankford site, personnel can relocate to this hot site and resume operations with minimal downtime. In lessons learned from 9/11, this hot site provides for complete redundant emergency communications capabilities from a geographically different location. The communications center provides reliable professional services, supported by a robust communications plan that provides the following capabilities: Facility designed and constructed to be earthquake and hurricane proof (NENA standard). Adjacent to fully functioning emergency operations center with 14 fully functional emergency services activation positions. Two redundant emergency building power generators, each using a different fuel source—diesel and natural gas. In addition to generator support, UPS battery backup on all critical electronic components. 911 communications center designed and built with ten individual dispatch positions, able to accommodate the entire county 911 call taking and dispatching needs. “Hot” backup remote center at sheriff’s office with three individual dispatch positions that mirror those at the main 911 communication site. Equipped with eight 911 trunks directed between the main 911 communications site and the hot backup site, effectively eliminating a single point of failure. 911 systems supported by three geo-diverse servers—two at the main 911 center in the event one server fails and the third located at the sheriff’s office hot backup site in the event the main 911 communications center experiences a total 911 server failure. Microwave link from sheriff’s office hot backup site to the main 911 communications center to ensure clear communication between the two sites, supported with a robust backup Ethernet fiber connection. Back up battery system and emergency generators at all microwave sights for power outages. Use of eight tower sites throughout the county with numerous backup features with each frequency utilized. Back up UHF/VHF radio in the event of a primary radio failure. Redundant network switches to insure continued data connectivity in the event a failure. Access/use of countywide GIS data for most accurate location and efficient dispatch of calls. Real time monitoring of critical data services to allow for and provide immediate remediation. Real time monitoring of environmental conditions in server and radio rooms to allow for and provide immediate remediation. Redundant HVAC systems in server rooms to insure appropriate environmental conditions for electronics. Currently serving 13 municipal clients as a 911 Public Safety Answering and Dispatch Point. Provides emergency medical dispatch protocols to callers. Provides Text to 9-1-1 service. Provides AVL tracking for sheriff and both paid and volunteer fire and EMS organizations. Robust computer automated dispatch system with mapping to pinpoint specific locations of emergencies to aid in response by emergency first responders. CAD system is fully replicated to a disaster recovery server every 2 hours. Network time synchronization from a satellite to insure accurate time stamping across all resources. EMAG service, which gives our paging function used by local emergency service personnel priority access to the Verizon texting network. Robust records management system able to provide clients with end detailed call reports. NENA compliance—a minimum of two telecommunicators on duty at all times, none of whom are accessible to the public or assigned clerk duties. SERVICES Primary Responsibilities Answer emergency telephone calls: Screen callers to verify emergency location and situation Use resources to locate callers that do not respond Provide pre-arrival emergency instructions when applicable Dispatch and track emergency resources Enter and verify all necessary data into CAD: Contact information, addresses Responding resources; dispatch, arrival and clearing times Initial report/request information by callers Special requests, contacts, notifications Answer administrative calls for the sheriff’s office and the communications center and either resolve the inquiry or transfer callers to the proper destination. Monitor radio communications from sheriff’s officers: Track location/status of officers engaged in assignments, traffic stops, special details Conduct computer inquiries to vehicle ownership, driver status, warrants, criminal histories Track and monitor prisoner transports by sheriff’s/corrections personnel Additional Responsibilities Monitor 50+ camera sites at the county judicial complex, corrections center, emergency operating center/911 center and sheriff’s main office Receive requests, dispatch resources and make notifications involving the Sheriff’s Office Special Services Receive notifications and requests related to other public safety programs sponsored and managed by the sheriff’s office Receive requests and arrange for afterhours/weekend call out assignments involving county personnel 911 Answering All 911 calls are answered by specially trained public safety telecommunicators (PSTs). This specialized training includes certification as a basic 911 telecommunicator by satisfactorily completing a course of instruction relating to: enhanced 911 systems and operating procedures interpersonal communications overview of the EMS function overview of the fire function overview of the police function public safety records systems public safety telecommunications systems radio broadcasting rules and procedures telecommunicator role in public safety telecommunicators legal issues telephone techniques All PSAPs in New Jersey are required to use the New Jersey Emergency Medical Dispatch Guidecards. These guidecards help the PST quickly assess the critical points of a particular situation and the level of emergency service response necessary. They also guide a PST in providing medical instructions to a caller involving many different types of medical emergencies. Those instructions may often save lives or prevent a situation from becoming worse. Personnel from this PSAP have managed thousands of calls involving cardiac, stroke, diabetic, fall, trauma, childbirth, accident, fires and other emergencies. We see the value in providing this type of intervention. TEXT TO 9-1-1 The Sussex County Sheriff’s Communications Center accepts 9-1-1 emergency calls via text (SMS) message from within every municipality in Sussex County. Texting provides a method for individuals to be able to contact a 9-1-1 center for help in situations where their safety could be in jeopardy if they were to be heard speaking. Text to 9-1-1 also provides individuals with special needs or who may not be able to speak, access to emergency services when they need help or want to report an emergency. When to send a text to 9-1-1 : When you have an emergency that requires assistance from police, fire or EMS. If you have a speech or hearing impairment, you can send a text to 9-1-1 using a cell phone or other device. It is recommended that you inform 9-1-1 that you are speech or hearing impaired so that they can inform the responders. If speaking may cause you harm, such as a break-in or domestic violence situation. Remember to silence your phone so that the sound of 9-1-1 replying does not give you away. Peer pressure. You are with a group and some of the members are doing something dangerous or illegal. If you cannot make a voice call with your cell phone because there is no service you may be able to get data service to send a text message. How to send a text to 9-1-1: Open the message app on your phone or wireless device. In "To" type "911" (there is no need to add "-"). In the message field, type the location, (address and municipality) and a brief description of the problem. Then press "SEND. Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker. Text in simple words, do not use abbreviations. Keep text messages brief and concise. Messages should be sent in English. If this is not possible a voice call should be made to allow use of translation services for voice calls. Entering 911 as the name of the person one wishes to communicate with, followed by a message and "send" will alert a dispatcher at the communications center that a new call has been received. A normal exchange of messages will follow in determining the proper response. All devices sending text messages are plotted on a map as soon as they are acknowledged by the dispatcher. While text to 9-1-1 offers an additional means to contact emergency services, it is important to understand that voice communication is always preferred as the best form of communication. Voice communications allow for quicker exchange of important information and a greater efficiency in getting help to a particular situation. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Appointments to the position of Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) are made as the need arises. All appointments are made in accordance with New Jersey Civil Service rules and regulations. To be a successful PST, a candidate must be competent in many of the inter-related duties and responsibilities associated with a 911 communications center. It is not a career to be taken lightly and those who are successful are typically found to be highly motivated with above average interpersonal skills, good reasoning and judgement, and the ability to multitask. In order to meet the demands of rapid data entry, candidates should be able to keystroke at a rate of 40 words per minute. Additionally, PSTs must be at least 18 years of age and pass an extensive background investigation. In order to serve in this position, a PST must successfully complete the following certification courses, often advertised and offered through local emergency service organizations or local PSAPs: 40-hour Basic Telecommunicator/Communications Officer 32-hour Emergency Medical Dispatcher 8-hour CPR certification Individuals interested in applying to serve as a PST are encouraged to complete and submit the Sussex County Employment Application, available at the Sussex County website .

Professional Standards The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for reviewing Sussex County Sheriff’s Office standard operating procedures that address applicable non-discriminatory policy, the law of arrest, search and seizure, motor vehicle stop enforcement activities, and any other policies deemed necessary to maintain or enhance the practices of the Sheriff’s Office. Data collection and documenting operations audits, including the achieving and maintaining the New Jersey State Chiefs of Police State accreditation certification are also under the purview of the unit. The unit is dedicated to serving the citizens of Sussex County by promoting the development and implementation of law enforcement policies and procedures. The process of collecting, analyzing and publishing data on law enforcement practice promotes departmental integrity and allows law enforcement agencies the ability to self-assess and to continue to promote effective and unbiased policing. Internal Affairs It is the policy of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to accept and investigate all complaints of agency and employee alleged misconduct or wrongdoing from any citizen, agency employee or any other sources, including anonymous sources. Following a thorough and impartial examination of the available factual information, a conclusion will be determined and the employee shall be either exonerated or held responsible for the alleged misconduct. Discipline shall be administered according to the degree of misconduct. Officers and employees, regardless of rank/position, shall be subject to disciplinary action for violating their oath and trust. Committing an offense punishable under the laws of the United States, the State of New Jersey, or county constitutes a violation of that oath and trust. Employees are also subject to disciplinary action for the willful or negligent failure to perform the duties of their rank or assignment. In addition, employees may be disciplined for violation of any rule or regulation of the agency or for failure to obey any lawful instruction, order, or command of a superior officer or supervisor. Disciplinary action in all matters will be determined based upon the merits of each case. Officers conducting the investigation of any allegation of misconduct shall strive to conduct a thorough and objective investigation respecting the rights of the principal, any other law enforcement officer, and all members of the public. Accordingly, any supervisor and any officer who may be called upon to conduct an internal investigation must be thoroughly familiar with the agency’s internal affairs policy. This policy has been developed in accordance with the New Jersey Attorney General’s guidelines on internal affairs. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact our Internal Affairs unit at 973.579.0850, ext. 2109. Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs 39 High Street Newton NJ 07860 Compliments and Complaints To effectively manage the performance of our officers, we like to be informed of any commendable conduct so that we can acknowledge them for a job well done and reinforce this kind of work performance. To submit a compliment, please utilize the “Contact Us” section at the bottom of any page. We treat all complaints equally regardless of whether or not they are filled out anonymously or with a name. However, please keep in mind that we can investigate best when we have all available information and have the ability to contact you with further questions, if needed. Internal Affairs Complaint Forms are available below in 11 different languages. Internal Affairs complaint forms may be submitted in person or by mail to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, 39 High Street, Newton NJ, 07860 during business hours. Alternatively, the complaint form may be submitted by calling (973) 579-0850 ext. 2109, or electronically via e-email to the Internal Affairs Unit here . Body Worn Cameras In compliance with the New Jersey Attorney General Issues Directive 2021-5 requiring notifying the public of the type of body cameras this agency is utilizing, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is currently utilizing Safe Fleet body worn cameras. See photographs below of our uniform as well as plain clothes officers. ComplimentsComplaints Public Announcement In compliance with Attorney General Grewal's Directive 2020-5 and Directive 2021-6 , which require law enforcement agencies to begin to publish, at least once a year, a brief synopsis of all complaints resulting in major discipline—defined as termination, reduction in rank or grade, and/or suspension of more than five days—including the names of the officers sanctioned, the Sussex County Sheriff's Office reports that no officers have received major discipline between June 15, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Downloads Internal Affairs Personnel Early Warning System Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy Interacting with the Immigrant Community Policy Recruitment and Diversity Plan 2024 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2024 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2023 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2023 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2022 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2022 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2021 Annual Internal Affairs Summary 2021 Annual Major Discipline Reporting 2020 Professional Standards Summary Report 2019 Professional Standards Summary Report 2018 Professional Standards Summary Report Complaint Forms: Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - English Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Arabic Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Chinese Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Haitian Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Hindi Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Korean Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Polish Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Portuguese Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Spanish Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Tagalog Internal Affairs Reporting Forms - Vietnamese

About Sheriff's Sales EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY Based upon the advice of Senator Britnee N. Timberlake (click here) and pending Judicial review of the Community Wealth Preservation Program (CWPP), the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is suspending participation in the NONPROFIT portion of the CWPP. Accordingly, we will not be accepting nonprofit registrations at this time. COMMUNITY WEALTH PRESERVATION PROGRAM ANYONE UTILIZING THE COMMUNITY WEALTH PRESERVATION PROGRAM MUST CONTACT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND PROVIDE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION 5 BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE SUBJECT PROPERTY SALE DATE Please click HERE for more information What is a Sheriff’s Sale? A sheriff’s sale, generally the last step in the foreclosure process, is a forced sale of real property at public auction. Foreclosure is the legal process initiated by a lender who holds a mortgage on a property in which the borrower/property owner has defaulted on repaying the loan. This action enables the financial institution to foreclose or terminate the rights of the property owner and force the sale of the property to recoup its loan loss. When and Where Sheriff’s sales are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month (excluding holidays) at 2:00 p.m. in the historic Sussex County Courthouse, 3 High Street in Newton, New Jersey. If you plan to attend a sheriff’s sale, you should contact the Foreclosure Unit at 973.579.0850 to make sure a property scheduled for sale has not been adjourned or otherwise postponed. Notice of Sales/Advertisement Electronic Bulletin Board Notices of sales are posted on the electronic bulletin board outside the office of the Foreclosure Unit. Newspapers All sheriff’s sales for real property are advertised for four consecutive weeks prior to the initial date of sale. The Sussex County Sheriff's Office legal notices and sales will be advertised in the Advertiser News North and the Township Journal. Online database The Foreclosure Unit maintains an online database of sheriff’s sales which is continually updated as information changes. While every effort is made to insure that these listings are accurate and timely, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office does not warrant or guarantee the reliability of same. Click to access the database of sheriff’s sales Resources for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure >> Sheriff's Sale Procedures The following information is provided as a public service by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and is intended to present a general overview regarding how sheriff’s sales are conducted. We strongly urge anyone who plans to acquire real property through a sheriff’s sale to seek legal advice and exercise extreme caution. GENERAL INFORMATION Purchasing foreclosed properties is not for everyone and can be a risky proposition for buyers who lack experience. Unless you understand the process and have done your due diligence, you could potentially make a mistake that proves to be very costly. Until a sale actually occurs, the property is considered private property and no one has a right to enter the premises without the owner’s permission. This means there will be no opportunity to inspect a property prior to bidding on it. A bidder wishing to approach an owner to see a property before a sale is advised that he is on his own. The owner of a property may, at any time prior to the sale, try to save his home or property interest in several ways. He may try to reinstate the delinquent amount owed, pay the judgment in full, obtain another loan, etc. He may also try to sell the property in order to pay the judgment and at the same time profit from any proceeds. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office does not know the condition of the property and is not responsible for any person(s) living on the property or vacating them post sale without a court order supplied by the purchaser. The sheriff’s office has no information regarding the conditions of the titles. All foreclosure sales are sold subject to any first mortgage, any municipal, state or federal or outstanding liens. We strongly urge anyone who is not familiar with sheriff’s sale procedures to seek legal advice and to perform a title search on the property before bidding on it. The search may reveal outstanding liens, which the bidder would assume if he is the successful purchaser. The plaintiff’s attorney may adjourn the foreclosure sale two times per docket number for a 30 day period, totaling 60 days. A homeowner may also request two 30 day adjournments at any time prior to the day of sale up to the time of the sale, 2:00 p.m. By statute, the sheriff has the discretion to grant up to two 30-day adjournments. The July 29, 2019 new legislation allows an additional 30 day adjournment with a mutual agreement between plaintiff and defendant. A sheriff’s deed will be issued following the 10 day post sale redemption period, once any payments due are received by the sheriff’s office. The deed issued by the sheriff’s office is not a clear title deed. Consult an attorney or the Sussex County Clerk to find instructions on docketing the deed HOW THE SALES WORK Sheriff’s sales are held as an open auction (no sealed bids). Properties are purchased as is, with no warranties and all sales are buyer beware. Bidding begins at $100.00 and subsequent bids must be in increments of $1,000.00. The property will be sold to the highest bidder. Twenty percent of the total bid price (bid deposit) must be paid by the purchaser as soon as the property is sold to him. All deposits must be tendered in the form of certified check, treasurer check or money order made out to “Sussex County Sheriff.” If the successful bidder fails to pay the full bid deposit, the sheriff may, at his option, immediately put up the premises for sale again and the original purchaser will be held liable for any deficiency. The balance of the sale price is due and payable no later than thirty days after the sale. The first ten days after the sale date are without interest; interest is charged on the balance due beginning on the eleventh day after the sale. The defendant has a ten day redemption period after the sale during which time he may object to the sale through the courts or redeem the property. The successful bidder, in this case, would receive his 20 percent deposit back without interest. If the balance is not paid on the thirtieth day, the sheriff will have the option of either re-advertising the property and selling it again or proceeding to compel the purchaser to complete his purchase. In the event of a resale, if the property should produce a lesser sum than the former bid, interest and expenses, the purchaser will be held liable for the difference. If it should produce a larger sum than the former bid, interest and expenses, the purchaser will not receive any benefit from the second sale. The purchaser will receive a sheriff’s deed after payment of the balance of the bid. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to record the deed in the Sussex County Clerk’s Office. If, after the sale and receipt of the sheriff’s deed, the property is owner-occupied, the purchaser must obtain a Writ of Possession to be served on the defendant with instructions to vacate the premises by a scheduled date. This is handled by the Civil Process Unit. If the defendant has not vacated by the stated date, the sheriff’s office will set a final date to make arrangements with the purchaser to have a moving van sent to the property and have the defendant’s personal belongings removed. The costs of the moving and storage is the responsibility of the purchaser. If the property is tenant-occupied, the purchaser must go through Landlord-Tenant Court to perform an eviction. For The Defendant (Homeowner/Debtor) The homeowner may, at any time prior to the sale try to stop their home from going to foreclosure sale by reinstating the amount owed, pay the judgment in full, obtain another loan, etc. Defendant Adjournments: Prior and up to 2:00 p.m. on the day of the sale, a homeowner may make up to two (2) adjournment requests, not exceeding 30 calendar days for each adjournment, per NJ Statute NJSA 2A:17-36. Contact the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office at 973-579-0850. New Jersey Statute NJSA 2A:17-36 allows for an additional consensual adjournment only if both the lender and the debtor agree. Defendant Rights Post-Sale: Following the sale, the homeowner has a period of 10 calendar days in which the property can be redeemed. During this time, they are still the lawful owner of the property. The redemption period can only be extended through court order. (Contact the Courts for an extension if needed, not the Sheriff’s Office.) ADDITIONAL RESOURCES The links which follow can provide assistance to homeowners in distress. New Jersey's Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) Program This program, launched in 2009, gives eligible homeowners access to housing counselors, lawyers and mediators who may help homeowners in foreclosure remain in their homes. It is a partnership of the judiciary, the Office of the Attorney General, the Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, Legal Services of New Jersey, the Office of the Public Advocate and the Department of Banking and Insurance. Call toll-free: 1.888.989.5277. New Jersey Judiciary Foreclosure Mediation Program This program, launched in 2009, gives eligible homeowners access to housing counselors, lawyers and mediators who may help homeowners in foreclosure remain in their homes. It is a partnership of the judiciary, the Office of the Attorney General, the Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, Legal Services of New Jersey, the Office of the Public Advocate and the Department of Banking and Insurance. Call toll-free: 1.888.989.5277. Making Home Affordable This program is a component of the Obama administration’s strategy to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, stabilize the country’s housing market, and improve the nation’s economy. The primary goal is to give homeowners struggling to maintain their home mortgage payments the opportunity to refinance or obtain a loan modification. NJ HomeSaver Program This program provides financial assistance to New Jersey homeowners who have a track record of making their mortgage payments on time but are now at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure as a direct result of unemployment or substantial underemployment. For Plaintiff Attorneys In order to initiate a sheriff’s sale for real property in foreclosure, you must supply our office with the following: Written request that the sale be scheduled Writ of Execution plus 2 copies $2,000.00 deposit Short form description for advertising purposes Clear legal Schedule A for deed Affidavit of Consideration for sheriff’s deed plus 1 copy Affidavit of Diligent Inquiry [Rule 4:64-2(d)] Notice to Tenants (Appendix XII-K, adopted 11/17/09) Please note that a representative from your firm is required to be present at the time of the sale. If you need further information or assistance, please contact us at 973.579.0850.

SLAP The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office offers the Sheriffs Labor Assistance Program (SLAP) to certain non-violent offenders sentenced to a term supervised by the Sussex Sheriff’s Office. This program has been highly successful and is explained in sections listed below. Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP) The SLAP program is a community-based labor program that provides a structured alternative to incarceration for persons sentenced by Sussex County Courts. Persons sentenced to SLAP are able to pay their dept to society by performing moderate levels of manual labor. This enables them to maintain employment, provide for their families and continue to be productive members of society while satisfying their sentence. Offenders are prudently screened and only those with nonviolent, minor offenses are admitted into the program. Participants are required to follow all rules and regulations or face having their SLAP sentence revoked. At that time, they may be required to serve the remainder of their sentence in jail. SLAP participants provide non-skilled manual labor to nonprofit public and private agencies at no cost. Many organizations within Sussex County use the program regularly. SLAP participants are supervised by armed Officers at all times and are never left at jobs sites without supervision. Work that cannot be done by SLAP participants: SLAP does not work at private companies, personal homes or areas that are deemed unsafe by Sheriff's Office personnel. SLAP participants are not allowed to operate power tools such as chain saws and riding lawnmowers. Participants are not allowed to climb ladders that are over 10 feet off the ground. Participants cannot enter rivers, lakes or other bodies of water. Participants cannot remove poison ivy, oak, sumac, etc. Nonprofit Sussex County agencies seeking to enlist SLAP participants for a specified project must submit all requests in writing on organization letterhead. The request should detail the work that you would like done, where it is located and who the contact person is. Written requests should be sent to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office at 39 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860. All jobs must be checked prior to starting; a representative from the SLAP program will check the job site prior to beginning a project. You will also be required to fill out a work request form stating the type of services requested, that form will be provided by the Officer who will contact you for final approval. Please note the following: SLAP does not dispose of garbage collected; it is the requesting agency’s responsibility to arrange for pickup. All equipment that is needed for a job has to be provided by the requesting agency (i.e., rakes, shovels, push mowers, garbage bags etc.). For further information about SLAP, contact Corporal James Aumick or Corporal Brian Snyder at 973-579-0875 ext. 2307

Inmate Visitation/Information Inmate Visitation To inquire about inmate visitation at the Morris County Correctional Facility, please contact the Morris County Correctional Facility at 973-631-5174, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For all other times including holidays, call 973-631-5416. You may visit the Morris County Correctional Facility website at: morriscountynj.gov/Departments/Jail

Civil Process About Sheriff’s Sales The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the preparation and auctioning of real property. A foreclosure is a sheriff’s sale of real property. Foreclosure Listings While every effort is made to ensure that these foreclosure listings are accurate and timely, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office does not warrant or guarantee the reliability of same. Process Services Our Civil Process Unit deploys sheriff’s officers throughout the county to handle many types of civil process.

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Emergency Management Emergency Management Coordinator: Sheriff Michael F. Strada Deputy Coordinator: Sheriff’s Officer Steve Sugar Deputy Coordinator: Sheriff’s Officer Trevor Floyd The Division of Emergency Management is a county-level emergency service required by statute that coordinates all available resources to serve the needs of Sussex County during times of emergency events and disasters. In carrying out its responsibilities, the division oversees the emergency management activities of all county agencies and Sussex County's twenty-four municipalities. Each municipality has an emergency management coordinator with whom this division interacts and the coordinators, in turn, interact at the local level with police, fire, EMS, public works, public health, schools, etc. Preparing for and carrying out all emergency functions—also known as comprehensive emergency management—is accomplished in four phases. A description of these phases and the division’s role in each are described below. Mitigation The division has developed a county-wide pre-disaster all-hazards mitigation plan that has identified hazards and vulnerabilities in all of Sussex County's twenty-four municipalities. Preparedness Under the supervision of this division, the county and all twenty-four municipalities have certified Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) that are reviewed annually and recertified every two years. The purpose of the EOPs is to give guidance to emergency responders in emergencies and disasters. The division also assists other public and private nonprofit agencies in developing their own specialized EOPs. Radiological Emergency Information for Residents (374 KB) Radiological Emergency Information for Farmers (473 KB) Response The division has the responsibility to be aware of and coordinate the response of all emergency resources requested by the incident commander of an emergency or disaster. Recovery If a disaster strikes in Sussex County, the division coordinates a thorough preliminary damage assessment with the affected municipalities. Non-insured losses are totalled and reported to the state. In the event of a presidential disaster declaration, the division then coordinates with the state and FEMA to recover the non-insured public sector losses. In addition to the foregoing, the Division of Emergency Management presents training and educational programs including personal emergency preparedness, access and functional needs and incident command for responders. The division also oversees one community alert program , Regroup is a tremendous service to the public. For further information or assistance, contact the division at 973.579.0380 or via e-mail . Emergency Management Coordinators Municipality Name Phone Andover Boro Jessica Casella 973.786.6688 Andover Twp. Eric Danielson 973.383.5544 Branchville Jeff Lewis 973.948.4626 Byram Kevin Dishinger 973.347.4008 Frankford Jeff Lewis 973.948.5566 Franklin Jim Williams 973.827.9280 Fredon Keith Festa 973.383.7025 Green Twp. Christopher Lopanik 908.852.9333 Hamburg Keith Sukennikoff 973.827.9230 Hampton George Chattaway 973.383.5570 Hardyston William Hickerson 973.823.7020 Hopatcong Wade Crowley 973.770.1200 Lafayette Rick Hughes 973.383.1817 Montague Dave Coss 973.293.7300 Newton Daniel Finkle 973.383.2525 Ogdensburg George Hutnik 973.827.3444 Sandyston Kevin Pumphrey 973.948.3520 Sparta Jeffrey McCarrick 973.729.6121 Stanhope Wayne Anthony 973.347.0159 Stillwater Lisa Chammings 973.383.9484 Sussex John Boeren 973.875.4831 Vernon Ken Clark 973.764.6155 Walpack Sheriff Strada 973.579.0850 Wantage Joe Konopinski 973.875.7192

Employment/Recruitment The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office currently selects candidates in the following manners; The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is a New Jersey Civil Service Commission employer and as such, is governed by the rules prescribed by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Job candidates are selected from eligibility lists that are supplied to us by the state. Qualified veterans are placed at the top of these eligibility lists, ahead of non-veterans, regardless of their scores. Intergovernmental Transfer eligible candidates can also be selected by applying to transfer, following established Civil Service Commission rules and applicable laws and regulations pursuant to NJSA 40A:14-180 and 4A:4-3.9 and 3.10 . Candidates who have not taken the Civil Service examination can still apply under the provisions of NJSA 11A:4-1.3 which authorizes the appointment of a probationary entry level law enforcement officer. The Sheriff, pursuant to the rules and regulations of NJSA 40A:9-117a , can appoint Sheriff’s Investigators, who shall have the same compensation, benefits, powers and status as is granted to Sheriff’s Officers. When these positions become available, eligible candidates are contacted, background investigations are conducted to include satisfactorily complying with the New Jersey Police Training Commission requirements, interviews take place and selections are made. Selected candidates are sent for a battery of pre-employment tests and evaluations to ascertain fitness for duty. Once a candidate successfully completes those phases, they are scheduled to begin the appropriate training. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals wishing to obtain information about pursuing a career with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office can contact our office directly by submitting an inquiry at the bottom of this page. Current Job Postings Available Positions as of: October 30th 2025 Sheriff’s Investigator Sheriff’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Officer Some Civil Service Requirements Include : Benefits -Minimum 18 Years Old -Minimum Starting Salary $49,455 -HS Diploma or Equivalent -Paid Leave Time -United States Citizen -Medical/Prescription/Dental Eligibility -Valid New Jersey Driver’s License -PFRS/PERS Pension -Successfully Complete an Accredited Training Program -Deferred Compensation Plan Eligibility -Satisfactorily Comply with NJPTC Licensing Requirements -Others Outlined by Local PBA 138 Contract