The Bergen County Jail serves as a central reception and processing center for pre-trial male and female adult inmates whose incarceration is necessary to ensure a court appearance. Since 2001, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office has also held a standing contract with the U.S. Marshals Service to provide detention beds for federal detainees at the Bergen County Jail.

With more than 280 Correction Officers and 1,150 beds, this around-the-clock operation is one of the state's finest correctional facilities.

The major operational management philosophy utilized within the Bergen County Jail is Direct Supervision Management. Direct Supervision, utilizing the principals of direct officer to inmate interface and barrier free design, has proven to be an effective method of control, improving supervision, reducing violence, ensuring a safer more humane environment for both inmates and staff while keeping the cost to the taxpayers down.

Technology is state-of-the-art in the facility, featuring computer control of all inmate housing areas, an integrated perimeter security system, a site-wide duress/panic alarm system and a computerized Center Control.

The facility is designed and is operated in accordance with constitutional standards, to meet accreditation set by the American Correctional Association and the New Jersey State Department of Corrections. In addition, the Jail meets standards for health care established by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.