Highlands Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Highlands, New Jersey government websites.
About Highlands, New Jersey
Government Type
City Council
Highlands, New Jersey, operates under a Borough Council form of government, which consists of six elected members. Council members are elected at-large for staggered three-year terms, with two council seats up for election each year. The current council members include Mayor Carolyn Broullon and Council members Rebecca D. D'Angelo, Frances E. O'Brien, and others.
Highlands is also home to several neighborhoods, including the charming area of Highlands Historic District, which features a mix of residential homes and local businesses. Economically, the borough has a rich maritime history, with fishing and boating playing a crucial role in its development. The local economy has diversified over the years, with tourism becoming increasingly important, particularly due to its location near the popular Sandy Hook and the vibrant local dining scene.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Highlands, Monmouth County, involves coordination between several agencies. The borough itself maintains a local police department, while the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office provides countywide services. Neighboring municipal departments, including those in Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Middletown Township, operate within their own jurisdictions but work together on major crimes and regional emergencies.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold is the primary detention facility for Monmouth County. When individuals are booked, they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information recording. The facility offers an online inmate lookup service that allows the public to search for current detainees. Visitation requires advance scheduling and adherence to specific guidelines governing allowable items and visitor conduct.
Arrest Records
Arrest records for Highlands and the broader county are maintained by the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office along with local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request these records under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act, commonly known as OPRA. A typical arrest record contains personal details of the individual, the charges filed, the arresting agency, and booking information. Requests may be submitted in person or through written application. The process makes sure transparency and public access under state law.
Court Records
The Municipal Court in Highlands, New Jersey, handles local legal matters ranging from traffic violations to minor criminal offenses and municipal code enforcement. Residents seeking court records or schedules can access them through the Monmouth County Courts website at https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/municipal/highlands.html. This online portal provides information on case proceedings and court calendars for those with business before the local judiciary.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Monmouth County covers felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the New Jersey State Police oversee the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the New Jersey State Police, which provides criminal history information. The process involves submitting fingerprints and a formal request, making sure of thorough and accurate background checks for Monmouth residents.
Public Records Access
The borough government in Highlands, New Jersey, operates a public records portal through its official website. Residents can access meeting minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and other municipal documents that detail local government operations, public meetings, and community initiatives. The portal is available at https://www.highlandsborough.org/government/public records, offering transparency into how the borough conducts its day-to-day business.
Vital Records
Vital records for Highlands, New Jersey, are managed by the Monmouth County Clerk's Office. This includes birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as property records and other important documents. Residents can access these records by visiting the Monmouth County Clerk's website at https://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?ID=1325 or by contacting the Monmouth County Clerk's Office directly.
Business & Licensing Records
The Highlands, New Jersey, Chamber of Commerce maintains a directory of local businesses and organizations, acting as a resource for both People. The chamber's website at https://www.highlandsnj.com/ offers details on local economic activity, community events, and resources tailored to business owners and entrepreneurs. Whether you're looking to support a neighborhood shop or launch a new venture, the directory provides insight into the commercial life of this waterfront borough.
Economy & Demographics
Highlands, New Jersey, has a diverse local economy, with a mix of businesses, including tourism, retail, and professional services. The borough's strategic location along the Sandy Hook peninsula and proximity to the New York metropolitan area contribute to its economic vitality. Residents can find information about the local economy and employment opportunities through the Highlands, New Jersey, Chamber of Commerce and the Monmouth County Economic Development website at https://www.visitmonmouth.com/page.aspx?ID=1303.
Elections & Voter Records
Highlands voters are served by the Monmouth County Clerk, which administers all aspects of elections throughout Monmouth County. The Monmouth County Clerk's Office is located at the Monmouth County Hall of Records, 1 East Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728 (phone: 732-431-7790, elections division direct: 732-431-7790, website: www.co.monmouth.nj.us/clerk). The office handles voter registration, early voting, mail-in ballot processing, polling place operations, and official results certification.
Residents can register to vote online through the New Jersey Division of Elections at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register, by mail using a voter registration application, or in person at the Monmouth County Clerk's office, municipal clerk's office, or motor vehicle agency. The registration deadline is 21 days before any election. First-time voters who registered by mail and did not provide a driver's license number or last four digits of a Social Security number must present identification when voting. The borough conducts nonpartisan municipal elections for Mayor and Borough Council seats. The Mayor serves a four-year term, while the six-member Borough Council serves staggered three-year terms with two seats up for election each year. Municipal elections are held on the second Tuesday in May during odd-numbered years, separate from the November federal and state general elections. The next Borough Council election will be in May 2025, with the next mayoral election in May 2026. Residents can find their assigned polling place using the New Jersey voter registration and polling place lookup tool at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/polling-place-search. Under state law, voter registration lists are public records available for purchase for political purposes. Campaign finance reports are filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission and searchable at www.elec.nj.gov. Candidate petitions and filings are public records maintained by the Monmouth County Clerk, and precinct-level election results are published by the Monmouth County Clerk after certification. In the November 2024 presidential election, Monmouth County reported approximately 65% voter turnout with over 330,000 ballots cast from approximately 510,000 registered voters. On November 3, 2026, Highlands and Monmouth County voters will decide state and local races. New Jersey's gubernatorial election is held in odd-numbered years with the next one in 2025, so the 2026 ballot will not include a governor's race. New Jersey's U.S. Senate seats are both held until 2027 (Cory Booker) and 2029 (George Helmy/appointee), so no U.S. Senate race is expected in 2026 unless a special election is called. The 2026 general election will include all 80 New Jersey General Assembly seats (two-year terms), all 120 state House seats, and potentially Monmouth County offices including County Clerk, Sheriff, Surrogate, and Freeholder/Commissioner seats depending on term schedules. Voters should check with the Monmouth County Clerk in 2026 for confirmed ballot contents. New Jersey offers mail-in voting to all registered voters without requiring an excuse. Voters can request mail-in ballots online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/application, by mail, or in person at the Monmouth County Clerk's office. Mail-in ballot applications must be received by the Tuesday before the election. Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within 48 hours, or deposited in secure drop boxes by 8:00 PM on Election Day. The state also offers early in-person voting beginning nine days before Election Day at designated early voting locations throughout Monmouth County.
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: 9.2/10, Monmouth County and New Jersey provide excellent online access to most public records through state portals and county websites, with property, court, business, and election databases freely searchable and responsive OPRA compliance for remaining records
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey?
Public schools in Highlands, Monmouth 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 Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey?
Crime data for Highlands, Monmouth 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 Highlands police department or the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey Library?
The Highlands Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Monmouth County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey Public Library located?
The Highlands Public Library serves residents of Highlands and the surrounding Monmouth County area in New Jersey. Contact the library or visit the Monmouth County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey?
Fingerprinting services for Highlands, New Jersey residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Monmouth County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the Highlands Police Department or Monmouth County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Highlands, Monmouth 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 Monmouth 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 Highlands, New Jersey?
To register to vote in Highlands, New Jersey, residents can register online through the New Jersey Division of Elections's website, by mail, or in person at the Monmouth 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 Highlands, contact the Monmouth County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Highlands, New Jersey?
Property records for Highlands, New Jersey are maintained by the Monmouth Municipal Tax Assessor's Office and the Monmouth County County Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Monmouth County, including parcels in Highlands. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Monmouth 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 Monmouth County offices at the county courthouse. The Monmouth County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Highlands, New Jersey?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Highlands, 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 Monmouth County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Monmouth 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 Highlands, New Jersey?
Business licensing for Highlands, New Jersey operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Highlands town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Highlands limits. Monmouth 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 Highlands, contact the Highlands clerk's office and the Monmouth County economic development office.
Nearby Cities in Monmouth County, New Jersey
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