From: Social Services Directory of Newark 1912

An institution maintained by the county for the temporary care of juveniles under the age of 16 years and is for delinquent children only. Here children are kept pending trial by the Juvenile Court of pending transportation to some correctional institution Also the women witnesses are held awaiting trials. Commitment to the House of Detention is made by the sergeant or officer in charge of the police precinct where the child is arrested. This authority is given the police department so that no child may be held in the police station over night in any part of Essex County. The institution is in the charge of the Sheriff and is managed during the day by a Superintendent and Matron and at night by the Asst. Superintendent and his wife.