The correctional system in North Carolina falls under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, specifically the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice. This state-level department is responsible for overseeing state prisons, probation, parole, and other correctional services. With multiple state prisons, community corrections offices, and initiatives for re-entry services, North Carolina aims to ensure both public safety and the rehabilitation of offenders.
What Constitutes Inmate Records in North Carolina
Inmate records in North Carolina typically include a variety of data such as the inmate's name, identification number, date of birth, gender, and race. It can also include information on the facility where the inmate is housed, the offenses committed, sentencing details, projected release dates, and information about any transfers or parole hearings. Public inmate records aim to strike a balance between transparency for the public's safety and privacy concerns for the inmates and their families.
Inmate Search Options in North Carolina State
Finding inmate information in North Carolina is made relatively straightforward through a variety of search options:
About North Carolina Inmate Search
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety maintains an Online Inmate Locator Tool that allows anyone to search for inmates housed in state correctional facilities. This tool is the most direct way to access inmate information if the person you are looking for is in a state prison.
Steps to Use the State Inmate Lookup Tool
- Visit the official North Carolina Offender Public Information search page.
- Enter the offender's first name, last name, or offender number in the search boxes provided.
- Review the list of results and click on the relevant record to access more detailed information.
- Note that some information may be restricted and not publicly displayed for security or privacy reasons.
Offline Methods
If online methods fail or are not suitable for your needs, you can contact the North Carolina Department of Public Safety by phone or mail to request inmate records. These methods generally take longer and may require you to provide identification or establish your need for the information.
You can send a written request to:
North Carolina Department of Public Safety
Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice
4201 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4201
Phone: (919) 838-4000
How to Find Inmates in County Jails
Inmates serving time in county jails are usually those convicted of misdemeanors or those awaiting trial. Unlike state inmates who are documented in the centralized system, county inmates are generally managed by the specific county sheriff's office. The method for searching inmates in county jails can differ from one county to another, but most counties in North Carolina have an online search facility on their respective sheriff’s office websites. For instance, Wake County has a Wake County Detention Division that allows you to search for inmates in their facility. If online information is not available, contacting the sheriff’s office by phone or visiting in person are also options.
How to Find Inmates in Federal Prisons in North Carolina
North Carolina does have federal correctional institutions, including the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP), an agency under the U.S. Department of Justice, has its own Inmate Locator tool to help you find inmates in federal prisons. To use the federal inmate lookup tool, you will typically need the inmate’s BOP register number, or at least their full name and approximate age. Federal inmates are not listed in state databases, so you'll need to use the federal system for accurate information.
North Carolina Sex Offender Search
For those specifically interested in locating sex offenders in North Carolina, there is a dedicated North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. The registry is maintained by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and allows for searches by name, county, or proximity to a specific address. This search is crucial for those wanting to understand the safety level of their neighborhoods or to identify if a particular individual is a registered sex offender.
Verification of Information
While public databases and official websites aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, errors can sometimes occur. If you're using this information for legal, employment, or other critical purposes, it's essential to verify the information through official channels or legal documentation. Many online resources will also provide a disclaimer stating the limitations of the information and the need for verification.
