Search North Carolina Inmate Records Online
Are North Carolina Inmate Records Open to the Public?
Yes, North Carolina inmate records are accessible to the public under the state's Public Records Law. These records can be obtained from law enforcement agencies for purposes such as locating an inmate or reviewing their incarceration details. However, certain information, such as health records, may be restricted from public access.
North Carolina Inmate Search
North Carolina inmate records include personal and administrative details of individuals in custody. These records typically contain identifying information such as names, ages, genders, and mugshots. Additionally, they include conviction details, inmate locations, registration numbers, custody statuses, and transfer data.
Inmate records are available through governmental agencies and third-party websites. While third-party sites may offer broader search capabilities, the accuracy of their information may vary. To search for inmate records, the requesting party must provide the location of the record (state, county, and city) and the name of the individual, unless it involves a juvenile.
How to Conduct a North Carolina Jail Inmate Search
Finding someone in a North Carolina jail involves accessing online inmate databases available to the public. These databases are typically maintained by county sheriffs or municipal jails. Interested individuals can perform searches using these databases to locate inmates within the state. Some third-party public records sites also offer search tools for locating inmates in North Carolina jails.
Differences Between North Carolina State Prisons and County Jails
North Carolina operates both state prisons and county jails. State prisons are managed by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) and house inmates serving longer sentences for more serious offenses. These facilities are classified into minimum, medium, and maximum security levels based on the risk posed by inmates.
County jails, on the other hand, are run by the sheriff's office in each county and typically hold individuals awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences for lesser offenses. The average daily population in state prisons is significantly higher than in county jails, reflecting the longer-term nature of state incarceration.
Sending Money to an Inmate in North Carolina Prisons or Jails
To send money to inmates in North Carolina state prisons, the NCDPS partners with JPay, which offers several methods for depositing funds. Only individuals on an inmate's approved visitor list can send money. Approved methods include:
- Walk-in cash deposits at MoneyGram locations
- Money orders mailed to JPay
- Credit/debit card deposits online at JPay.com
- JPay Mobile App
- Credit/debit card deposits over the phone
For county jails, the process varies by location. Typically, funds can be deposited through cash, money orders, or checks at designated areas in the jail or by mail.
How to Contact Inmates in North Carolina Prisons and Jails
Contacting inmates in North Carolina can be done through mail, phone calls, or email, depending on the facility's regulations. Inmates can receive letters, but all mail is subject to inspection for contraband. Phone calls are usually made through a third-party service provider, and inmates must have funds in their account to make calls.
Some facilities also offer email services, where messages can be sent and received electronically. Each facility has specific guidelines and approved vendors for these services, so it is important to check the facility's rules.
Getting Approved for Inmate Visitation in North Carolina Prisons and Jails
To visit an inmate in a North Carolina correctional facility, visitors must be on the approved visitor list. Prospective visitors must submit a completed visitor application form to the prison. Inmates are responsible for providing these forms to their intended visitors. Each inmate can have up to 18 approved visitors, including minors.
Minors must also complete visitor application forms and attach a copy of their birth certificate. Adults must attach an approved photo ID. Legal, law enforcement, clergy, and other officials must register before visiting but do not count towards the 18-person limit.
How to Locate Someone Incarcerated in North Carolina
Locating an inmate in North Carolina involves using online search tools provided by the NCDPS or county jails. The NCDPS offers a free inmate search-by-name tool, which provides information on state prison inmates, probationers, parolees, and escapees. Searches can be narrowed down by parameters such as gender, race, age range, and birth date.
For county jails, individuals must visit the official websites of the county sheriff or municipal jail to access inmate rosters and search tools.
Finding a County Inmate Roster in North Carolina
To find a county inmate roster in North Carolina, check the official websites of county governments or sheriffs. These rosters are typically accessible through search engines provided on the county or sheriff's website. Searches can be conducted using the inmate's last name or identifying number.
County inmate rosters provide a list of individuals currently incarcerated in the county jail, along with their booking information and charges.
How to Conduct a North Carolina Prison Inmate Search
The NCDPS provides a free tool for conducting prison inmate searches by name. This tool offers information on inmates, probationers, parolees, and escapees. To use the tool, provide the inmate's name or ID number. Additional search parameters include gender, race, age range, and birth date.
The search tool also allows for finding records of released inmates, with details such as names, offender numbers, release dates, and offense types.
How to Find an Inmate’s Release Date in North Carolina
Inmate release dates can be obtained through a North Carolina inmate record search. However, if releasing this information poses a risk to the inmate, it will only be available to immediate family members, attorneys, victims, and authorized law enforcement officers.
For public records, the NCDPS inmate search tool provides release dates for inmates released within the last three years, along with other personal and offense details.
Facilities Managed by the North Carolina Department of Corrections
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) oversees 57 state prisons, including two women's prisons and two prison work farms. The NCDPS is divided into four regional offices (Eastern, Western, Central, and South Central), each managing the prisons, correctional institutions, and work farms in their respective zones. Additionally, North Carolina has county and city jails operated by local law enforcement agencies, such as sheriff's offices or police departments.