MAYS LANDING — Atlantic County is facing a potentially costly decision over the future of its aging jail, and Sheriff Joseph "Tokyo Joe" O'Donoghue says he believes any replacement facility should remain in Atlantic County.
The future of the Atlantic County Justice Facility surfaced during O'Donoghue's appearance this week on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on WOND (M-F, 4-6pm), where the sheriff discussed the possibility of regionalizing jail operations with another county.
O'Donoghue said he understands Atlantic County officials are continuing to explore options after an earlier concept involving Camden County failed to move forward.
"My opinion is I think it's a good idea if we try to keep it here," O'Donoghue said.
His primary concern is transportation.
"Because the transportation from here to there is going to be extremely difficult," O'Donoghue said.
Aging Jail Presents Long-Term Question
The Gerard L. Gormley Justice Facility in Mays Landing opened in 1985 and has undergone expansions and improvements over the years, but county officials have been examining whether continuing to invest in the existing building makes sense or whether Atlantic County should pursue a new facility.
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson identified the jail as one of the significant issues facing county government in 2026.
One possibility had been participation in a regional correctional facility with Camden and Cumberland counties at the state-owned Ancora property in Winslow Township. The concept encountered significant opposition in Camden County and did not proceed as originally envisioned.
O'Donoghue said during the WOND interview that he understands Cumberland County may remain part of discussions about future regionalization.
"Atlantic County, they're now looking at, from what I understand, failed in Camden. They're looking at Cumberland," O'Donoghue said.
South Jersey NewsBeat could not independently confirm that Atlantic and Cumberland counties are currently negotiating an Atlantic-Cumberland regional jail, so O'Donoghue's comment should not be interpreted as confirmation that such an agreement is pending.
What is clear is that Atlantic County must determine how to handle the long-term future of its jail.
The county's Department of Public Safety says the facility houses an average of about 1,000 inmates and has custody jurisdiction over additional inmates sentenced to community programs.
Sheriff Calls Corrections Work 'Arduous'
O'Donoghue has firsthand experience inside the jail.
The sheriff said he worked there earlier in his law-enforcement career and described corrections as one of the most difficult jobs in public safety.
"It's probably the most difficult job in law enforcement," O'Donoghue said. "You're housed in there with the people who are incarcerated, and it's an arduous task."
Staffing can compound those difficulties, he said.
"You get stuck a lot because not everybody wanted that job," O'Donoghue said. "So the next guy doesn't show up for a shift, guess what? You're stuck."
O'Donoghue estimated the current population at 700 to 800 during the interview, although the county's public website lists a higher average population.
Despite questions about the facility's age and long-term future, the jail received a significant endorsement of its current operations this summer.
In July, Atlantic County announced the facility had been reaccredited by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care following a two-day inspection. The jail complied with 100% of the essential and important standards applicable to the facility, according to the county.
The accreditation covers health services and does not resolve the larger question of whether the physical facility should eventually be replaced.
Location Could Have Ripple Effects
Where inmates are housed affects more than the Corrections Department.
Municipal police departments transport people they arrest to the county jail, Sheriff's Office personnel handle various court-related transports, and defendants must be moved between correctional facilities and court proceedings.
Moving Atlantic County inmates to a facility in another county could therefore create new logistical and transportation demands.
That's the issue O'Donoghue says concerns him.
The sheriff stopped short of presenting a detailed proposal for a replacement jail, but when Cronick asked whether a new facility should be built or another solution found, O'Donoghue made his preference clear.
Keep it in Atlantic County.
About the Author
Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
