Highland Park Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Highland Park, New Jersey government websites.
About Highland Park, New Jersey
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
Highland Park, New Jersey, is governed by a Borough Council, which consists of six members. Council members are elected at-large for a term of three years, with two council seats up for election each year. The current council members include Mayor Elsie Foster and Council President Stephany Kim Chohan, along with Council members Matthew Hersh, Philip George, Matthew Hale, Jason Postelnik, and Norma Iris Vargas. The Borough Council is responsible for various legislative functions and local governance. The borough's annual budget supports essential services including public safety, public works, and community programs. Budget details are published on the borough website at hpboro.com. The local council holds regular meetings that are open to the public. Meeting schedules are available through the local government office.
Historically, Highland Park was incorporated in 1905 and has a rich industrial past, particularly in the manufacturing sector. The borough was once the site of the Johnson & Johnson headquarters, contributing significantly to the local economy. Today, Highland Park continues to thrive with a focus on community development and sustainability, boasting a municipal budget that supports borough services and operations. The borough's commitment to maintaining its historical character while economic growth makes it a unique and attractive place to live.
Law Enforcement
Highland Park, Middlesex County relies on several law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety throughout the area. The Middlesex County Sheriff's Office works alongside municipal police departments including the New Brunswick Police Department, Edison Police Department, and Woodbridge Police Department. Each department handles law enforcement duties and community policing within its jurisdiction, though these agencies frequently collaborate on major crimes and regional initiatives.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Middlesex County Adult Correction Center is the primary detention facility for Middlesex County. When individuals are arrested within Middlesex County, they're processed at this facility and held pending court appearances. Family members and legal representatives can locate detainees through Middlesex County's online inmate lookup portal. Visitation at the facility follows specific rules and typically requires advance scheduling, with strict guidelines governing what visitors may bring.
Arrest Records
The Middlesex County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain arrest records throughout Middlesex County. These records document arrest details, charges filed, and booking information For people processed through local law enforcement. Residents and attorneys seeking arrest records can request them from the relevant agency, subject to provisions of the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA). The records typically include personal information, arrest dates, charges, and case status. OPRA balances transparency and public access with the protection of sensitive information.
Court Records
Court records for Highland Park, New Jersey, are maintained by the Middlesex County Superior Court (https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/superior/middlesex.html). The court hears a wide range of civil and criminal cases involving residents and businesses from the borough. Case dockets, filings, and judgments are all part of the court's records system. Those seeking access can contact the court's records department directly or use the state's online court records system (https://www.njcourts.gov/public/accessrecords.html) to search for case information.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Middlesex County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. The Middlesex County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the New Jersey State Police oversee the statewide criminal history database. Residents can run background checks through the New Jersey Bureau of Investigation, which provides criminal history reports. The county also participates in the New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry, offering public access to information about registered offenders.
Public Records Access
Public records for Highland Park, New Jersey, are maintained across various government agencies accessible through official channels. The Middlesex County Clerk's Office (https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/County-Clerk) provides access to land records, property deeds, and legal documents related to the borough. At the local level, the Highland Park Municipal Clerk's Office (https://highlandparknj.gov/municipal-clerk/) manages government records including meeting minutes, ordinances, and permits issued within borough limits.
For historical research, the New Jersey State Archives (https://www.nj.gov/state/archives/index.shtml) houses documents and records related to municipalities throughout the state, including Highland Park.
Vital Records
Vital records for Highland Park, New Jersey, are managed by the Highland Park Registrar of Vital Statistics (https://highlandparknj.gov/health-department/). This office maintains birth, death, and marriage records for the borough. Residents can obtain certified copies of these documents by submitting a request and providing the necessary information. The Middlesex County Surrogate's Court (https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/Surrogate) also handles probate and estate-related records for the area.
Business & Licensing Records
Business records for Highland Park, New Jersey, can be accessed through several sources depending on the type of information needed. The Highland Park Business Administrator's Office (https://highlandparknj.gov/administration/) manages local business licenses, permits, and registrations for establishments operating within borough limits. The Middlesex County Clerk's Office (https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/County-Clerk) also maintains records for business entities such as corporations and partnerships.
For broader business registrations and tax filings, the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/) provides information on companies located in the borough.
Economy & Demographics
Economic and financial records for Highland Park, New Jersey, can be found through various sources. The Highland Park Tax Assessor's Office (https://highlandparknj.gov/tax-assessor/) maintains records related to property values, tax assessments, and tax collections within the borough. The Middlesex County Improvement Authority (https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/MCIA/Pages/default.aspx) also holds records on economic development projects and initiatives in the area.
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (https://www.nj.gov/labor/) provides data on employment, unemployment, and other economic indicators for Highland Park and the surrounding region.
Elections & Voter Records
Highland Park voters are served by the Middlesex County Board of Elections, located at 75 Bayard Street, 2nd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, phone (732) 745-3471, website www.middlesexcountynj.gov/government/departments/board-of-elections. New Jersey residents can register to vote online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register, though registration must be completed at least 21 days before any election. The state requires a driver's license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number during registration.
Municipal elections in the borough, typically held in November of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.), determine the mayor and borough council positions under New Jersey's standard election calendar. The borough operates under the borough form of government, with a mayor elected to a four-year term and a six-member council serving staggered three-year terms. Residents can locate their assigned polling location using the state's polling place lookup tool at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/polling-place-search. In the November 2024 presidential election, Middlesex County reported approximately 62% voter turnout with over 330,000 ballots cast from roughly 530,000 registered voters, reflecting strong engagement in the presidential race. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Highland Park and Middlesex County voters will decide several significant races: all 120 seats in the New Jersey Legislature (40 State Senate seats and 80 General Assembly seats) are up for election in 2025, not 2026; however, 2026 will feature races for U.S. House of Representatives (New Jersey's 6th Congressional District covers Highland Park), and potentially county offices including Middlesex County Freeholders, County Clerk, and Sheriff depending on term schedules. New Jersey allows all registered voters to vote by mail without requiring an excuse; applications for mail-in ballots can be submitted through the Middlesex County elections office or online portal up to seven days before the election. New Jersey's public election records include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted under 19:31-18.1), campaign finance reports filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) at www.elec.nj.gov, candidate petitions and filings maintained by the Middlesex County Clerk, and precinct-level election results published by the Middlesex County Board of Elections. Residents can access local candidate information, sample ballots, and election results through the Middlesex County elections website and the New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections at www.nj.gov/state/elections.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10, New Jersey and Middlesex County provide strong online access to most public records through state portals and county systems, though some municipal records require direct agency contact and OPRA requests may be needed for detailed documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Highland Park, Middlesex County, New Jersey?
Public schools in Highland Park, Middlesex County, New Jersey are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the New Jersey Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Highland Park, Middlesex County, New Jersey?
Crime data for Highland Park, Middlesex County, New Jersey is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting the Highland Park police department or the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Highland Park, Middlesex County, New Jersey Library?
The Highland Park Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Middlesex County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Highland Park, Middlesex County, New Jersey Public Library located?
The Highland Park Public Library serves residents of Highland Park and the surrounding Middlesex County area in New Jersey. Contact the library or visit the Middlesex County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Highland Park, Middlesex County, New Jersey?
Fingerprinting services for Highland Park, New Jersey residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Middlesex County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the Highland Park Police Department or Middlesex County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Highland Park, Middlesex County, New Jersey, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Highland Park, Middlesex County, New Jersey including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the New Jersey Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Middlesex County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Highland Park, New Jersey?
To register to vote in Highland Park, New Jersey, residents can register online through the New Jersey Division of Elections's website, by mail, or in person at the Middlesex County elections office. New Jersey requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the New Jersey Division of Elections's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Highland Park, contact the Middlesex County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Highland Park, New Jersey?
Property records for Highland Park, New Jersey are maintained by the Middlesex Municipal Tax Assessor's Office and the Middlesex County County Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Middlesex County, including parcels in Highland Park. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Middlesex County County Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many New Jersey counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Middlesex County offices at the county courthouse. The Middlesex County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Highland Park, New Jersey?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Highland Park, New Jersey residents are available through both county and state offices. The New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, located in Trenton, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in New Jersey. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Middlesex County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Middlesex County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in Highland Park, New Jersey?
Business licensing for Highland Park, New Jersey operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Highland Park town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Highland Park limits. Middlesex County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all New Jersey businesses must register with the New Jersey Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the New Jersey Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant New Jersey licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Highland Park, contact the Highland Park clerk's office and the Middlesex County economic development office.