Mercer County Sheriff's Office - Jack Kemler, Sheriff

08/12/2026

KEVIN C. LARKIN 1953 - 2026

Kevin C. Larkin was elected in 2002 as the 45th Sheriff of Mercer County and served notably until 2010. Larkin joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1987. He became Detective Sergeant in 1993 and was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer in March 2000. As Sheriff, he pioneered Project Lifesaver, which distributed free tracking bracelets to elderly residents with Alzheimer’s and cognitive disabilities. He helped establish the Mercer County Police Academy, fostered Mercer’s Most Wanted to local media outlets, emphasized K-9 patrols, and advocated gun safety. He was dedicated to law enforcement and held a deep personal commitment to the community — a legacy that continues to inspire all he served.

07/28/2026

MARK YOUR FAMILY CALENDAR: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IS NEXT TUESDAY, AUGUST 4th

The Mercer County Sheriff's Office is proud to participate in the many National Night Out events being held throughout our area on Tuesday night, August 4th. Now in its 43rd year, National Night Out promotes police-community partnerships, local friendships, and family fun. It’s a night to renew relationships, promote safety, and strengthen our community’s neighborhoods.

Events planned throughout the many towns in our area, will promote increased awareness on helpful programs, such as, drug prevention, town watch, neighborhood watch, K-9 demonstrations, personal and family safety, and basic crime prevention measures.

Check your local police department's social media or their website for a National Night Out event in your community.

-Sheriff Jack Kemler

07/16/2026

Congratulations to WLELOR NICKSON and JACK BARRY, the newest Mercer County Sheriff's Officers, on graduating today from the Mercer County Police Academy. The ceremony in Robbinsville honored 37 graduates from police departments across the region.

Each new officer completed 21 weeks of intensive training, demonstrating dedication and integrity.

On behalf of the Mercer County Sheriff's Office, I congratulate them and thank their families and friends for their support.

-Sheriff Jack Kemler

07/15/2026

SHERIFF JACK KEMLER: TRAGIC HEAT-RELATED DEATHS ARE PREVENTABLE

We are only midway through the summer, and Mercer County and the surrounding region face excessive heat warnings and record- breaking temperatures. Know that during these sweltering days, the inside of a car can act like an oven and very quickly become deadly. So, Sheriff Jack Kemler and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office are teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to avoid childhood deaths by reminding parents and caregivers not to leave a child in a hot car.

-Sheriff Kemler urges all parents and caregivers to never leave a child unattended in a car — and the same with your pets.

-Make it a habit to always check the back seat before leaving your car. This small step can save lives and prevent tragedies.

-Look again before you lock: Heat-related deaths are preventable. This simple action can make a life-saving difference.

-As the hot summer continues, remember that a car’s interior temperature can become deadly in just minutes.

-Always be mindful of intense summer heat and remember that everyone’s safety comes first.

-Please, check your car’s back seat, and never leave a child behind, even for a few minutes.

-Sheriff Jack Kemler

07/01/2026

The Fourth of July is the summer’s biggest holiday and celebrates our nation’s freedom. This year is extra special because the United States turns 250 years old.

Bet that Mercer County’s roads, parks, and many neighborhoods will be full of families and friends enjoying grilling, swimming, and fireworks. Please remember to stay safe by wearing your seat belt, driving the speed limit, and never drink and drive. As always, please be extra careful around water and use any fireworks safely.

As an added note, when planning any outdoor activities, please take into consideration the excessive heatwave affecting our region and be aware of sudden weather changes throughout this holiday weekend.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend!

- Sheriff Jack Kemler

05/29/2026

SCAM ALERT! Please be aware of yet another scam to steal your money. The Mercer County Sheriff's Office or any local law enforcement agency will never reach out to you for money, gift cards, Venmo, or Bitcoin, etc. It's a scam!
- Sheriff Jack Kemler

Several residents have recently received scam calls from individuals claiming to be officers from the Mercer County Sherriff’s Office, stating there is a warrant for missing jury duty and demanding large sums of money to avoid arrest.
Please remember:
• Law enforcement agencies will NEVER request payment through Bitcoin, Venmo, CashApp, gift cards, or similar apps.
• New Jersey does NOT have monetary bail on criminal warrants.
If you receive one of these calls from Mercer County Sheriff’s Office or any other law enforcement agency, contact the agency directly using an official phone number to verify the information. Do not send money or provide personal information.

05/27/2026

LOCAL TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR GRADUATIONS

Mercer County officials have issued local traffic advisories for numerous graduation ceremonies over the next several weeks. Significant congestion is anticipated around Trenton’s CURE Insurance Arena (81 Hamilton Avenue) on these specified dates and times. Heavy traffic and delays are expected near the arena, especially during entry times and after the ceremonies. Motorists should plan their routes with extra time when driving on Hamilton Avenue, Broad Street, Route 129, and nearby roads during these periods.

Please travel safely – Sheriff Jack Kemler

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05/21/2026

On behalf of the Mercer County Sheriff's Office, I would like to express gratitude to all those who have served our nation so heroically. As we approach Memorial Day, a time to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, we honor their bravery and dedication.

As you celebrate this Memorial Day weekend, please keep in mind that safety is a responsibility we owe to one another in our community. Remember to wear your seat belts, obey speed limits, avoid drinking and driving, and celebrate responsibly.

Your safety is our top priority. Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful holiday weekend.

-Sheriff Jack Kemler

05/18/2026

Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler announces the graduation of Sheriff's K-9 Officer Terry King and "K-9 Shadow" from the New Jersey State Police Canine Training Academy. Their graduation took place last week at the NJ State Police Headquarters in West Trenton.

Officer King has served with the Sheriff's Office for six years. He and Shadow spent 14 weeks training together to detect more than two dozen different explosive odors. K-9 Shadow is now assigned and ready to ensure maximum safety and protection for the public. The highly trained duo is now certified as an Explosive Detection K9 team. They will be part of the New Jersey Detect and Render Safe Task Force, which comprises several State Police bomb detection units throughout the State. Officer King and Shadow will return to the State Police K9 Academy in the fall for additional tracking training.

Members of the Mercer County Sheriff's Office's highly trained K-9 Unit stand ready to assist wherever and whenever they are needed by the Federal, State, and local authorities when needed.

Congratulations to Sheriff's Officer Terry King and K-9 Shadow on their graduation!
– Sheriff Jack Kemler.

04/20/2026

REMINDER: MERCER COUNTY SHERIFF KEMLER TO COLLECT UNUSED-EXPIRED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ON SATURDAY, APRIL 25

Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler reminds everyone of the opportunity to dispose of unused and expired prescription drugs during the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026.

The goal is to help residents rid their medicine cabinets of outdated and easily abused opioid painkillers and other unneeded prescription medications. Residents can quickly drive up and drop off any unused and expired prescription pills, with no questions asked, at the parking lot across from the Mercer County Administration Building, located at 640 South Broad Street in Trenton, between 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M.

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is a nationwide initiative aimed at safely disposing of unneeded and outdated prescription medications from homes, thereby reducing risks. The event will accept v**e pens and e-cigarette devices, provided batteries are removed. Syringes, sharp instruments, liquid medications, and solutions cannot be accepted.

For more information, contact the Sheriff's Office Programs Section at 609-209-2880.