Wake County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Wake County?
Inmate records in Wake County are official documents maintained by the Wake County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction that contain information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county's detention facilities. These records serve as the official documentation of an individual's time in custody, including their booking information, current status, and release information when applicable.
The maintenance of these records is governed by North Carolina General Statute § 132-1, which defines public records as "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business."
Wake County inmate records are maintained by:
Wake County Sheriff's Office 330 S. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27601 Phone: (919) 856-6900 Wake County Sheriff's Office
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction 512 N. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27604 Phone: (919) 733-2126 NC Department of Adult Correction
Are Inmate Records Public In Wake County?
Inmate records in Wake County are generally considered public records pursuant to North Carolina's Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1 et seq.). Members of the public may access basic information about individuals currently incarcerated or previously held in Wake County detention facilities.
The following provisions apply to public access of inmate records:
- Basic inmate information is available through online search tools provided by the Wake County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
- Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4, certain law enforcement records may be withheld if disclosure would jeopardize an investigation or reveal confidential informants
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under age 18) are generally not public, as stipulated by N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000
- Medical information, Social Security numbers, and other personal identifying information are typically redacted from public records to protect privacy
The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction provides online search tools for criminal offenders, including county jail inmates, state prisoners, probationers, and parolees throughout North Carolina, including Wake County.
What's Included Inmate Records in Wake County
Wake County inmate records contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. These records typically include the following elements:
- Demographic information (name, date of birth, gender, race)
- Booking date and time
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Charges filed against the inmate
- Bond amount and type (if applicable)
- Court dates and appearances
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
- Housing location within the facility
- Projected release date (for sentenced inmates)
- Prior incarceration history within Wake County facilities
Certain information may be restricted or redacted from public view, including:
- Medical and mental health information
- Social Security numbers
- Home addresses and telephone numbers
- Information related to ongoing investigations
- Victim information
- Records of disciplinary actions within the facility
The Wake County Courthouse maintains related court records that may provide additional context to an individual's incarceration status, including case dispositions, sentencing information, and court orders.
Wake County Prison System
The Wake County prison system operates under a dual structure that includes both county-operated detention facilities and state-operated prison facilities located within Wake County. This system is designed to house individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process.
The county-level facilities are administered by:
Wake County Sheriff's Office Detention Division 3301 Hammond Road Raleigh, NC 27610 Phone: (919) 856-7007 Wake County Detention Center
State-level facilities within Wake County are operated by:
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction 512 N. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27604 Phone: (919) 733-2126 NC Department of Adult Correction
The Wake County prison system operates in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 162, which outlines the duties and responsibilities of county sheriffs regarding the operation of local jails, and Chapter 148, which governs the state prison system.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Wake County
Wake County houses several types of correctional facilities that serve different populations and security needs within the criminal justice system. Each facility type has specific operational protocols and security classifications.
The primary correctional facilities in Wake County include:
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County Detention Centers: The Wake County Detention Center is the primary pre-trial holding facility for individuals awaiting court proceedings or serving sentences of less than 90 days. This facility is located at 3301 Hammond Road, Raleigh, NC 27610.
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State Prison Facilities: The North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women, located at 1034 Bragg Street, Raleigh, NC 27610, is a state-operated prison housing female offenders with various security classifications.
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Juvenile Detention Facilities: The Wake Regional Juvenile Detention Center, operated by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, houses juvenile offenders awaiting court proceedings or placement. More information about juvenile facilities can be found on the NC DPS Juvenile Detention Centers page.
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Community Corrections Facilities: These facilities provide transitional housing and supervision for individuals on probation, parole, or post-release supervision.
Each facility operates under specific security protocols based on the classification of inmates housed within. The Wake County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction maintain separate classification systems to determine appropriate housing assignments based on factors including offense severity, criminal history, and behavioral considerations.
Who's in Prison In Wake County
The Wake County correctional population consists of diverse individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. As of 2025, the inmate population includes the following categories:
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Pre-trial detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or other court proceedings. These individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty and are typically housed in the Wake County Detention Center.
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Sentenced misdemeanants: Persons serving sentences of less than 90 days for misdemeanor convictions, as prescribed by N.C.G.S. § 15A-1352.
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Sentenced felons: Individuals convicted of felony offenses who are serving their sentences in state-operated facilities within Wake County.
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Federal detainees: Through intergovernmental agreements, some Wake County facilities may house federal detainees awaiting federal court proceedings.
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Juvenile offenders: Minors who have been detained pending juvenile court proceedings or placement in juvenile correctional facilities.
Demographic data indicates that the Wake County inmate population reflects disparities present in the broader criminal justice system. Statistical information regarding the current inmate population, including demographic breakdowns and offense categories, is updated regularly and may be obtained through formal public records requests to the Wake County Sheriff's Office.
For current information about specific inmates, members of the public may utilize the criminal offender search tools provided by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Wake County in 2025
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Wake County have several methods available to locate this information. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access to inmate records:
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Online Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction's Criminal Offender Search portal
- Enter the inmate's first and last name or Department of Corrections (DOC) number if known
- Review search results for current custody status and location
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In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Wake County Sheriff's Office Records Division 330 S. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27601 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (919) 856-6900
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide identification and specify the records being requested
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Court Records Search:
- Access the Wake County Courthouse records
- Use public terminals to search for case information related to an inmate
- Request assistance from court clerks for locating specific records
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Written Request:
- Submit a formal written request to: Wake County Sheriff's Office Records Division PO Box 550 Raleigh, NC 27602
- Include the inmate's full name, date of birth (if known), and approximate dates of incarceration
- Provide contact information for response
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records but may not charge for inspection of records. Response times vary based on the complexity of the request and current workload of records personnel.
How To Find an Inmate in Wake County for Free?
Wake County residents and other interested parties may locate inmates within the county correctional system without incurring costs through several free resources. These services are provided in accordance with North Carolina's commitment to transparency in government operations.
Free inmate locator services include:
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NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Search: The primary resource for locating inmates is the online offender search tool, which provides real-time information about individuals in custody.
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Wake County Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office maintains a current roster of individuals housed in the Wake County Detention Center, accessible through their official website.
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Telephone Information Line: Call the Wake County Detention Center at (919) 856-7007 Hours: 24 hours daily Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if available
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Judicial System Resources: The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides court case information that may include custody status for individuals with pending cases.
When using these resources, members of the public should be prepared to provide as much identifying information as possible about the person they are attempting to locate, including full legal name and date of birth. Aliases or nicknames may not yield accurate results.
How To Visit an Inmate In Wake County
Visitation with inmates housed in Wake County facilities is subject to specific protocols designed to maintain facility security while supporting inmates' connections with family and community. The Wake County Sheriff's Office has established the following visitation procedures:
Wake County Detention Center Visitation 3301 Hammond Road Raleigh, NC 27610 Visitation Information Line: (919) 856-7007
Visitation requirements include:
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Visitors must pass through security screening, including metal detectors
- Personal belongings are not permitted in the visitation area
- Appropriate attire is required (no revealing clothing, gang-related attire, or clothing resembling inmate uniforms)
The visitation schedule is organized alphabetically by inmate last name:
- A-G: Tuesday and Saturday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- H-O: Wednesday and Sunday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- P-Z: Thursday and Monday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
For additional information about visiting procedures, including guidance on visiting someone held at the Wake County jail, the public may consult the Frequently Asked Police Questions resource provided by the City of Raleigh.
State-operated facilities within Wake County maintain separate visitation policies. Visitors to state facilities should contact the specific institution directly for current visitation hours and requirements.
How To Send Money to a Wake County Inmate
Wake County provides several methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds may be used by inmates to purchase items from the commissary, make phone calls, or pay for other approved services.
Authorized methods for sending money to Wake County inmates include:
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Online Deposits:
- Visit the approved third-party vendor website (currently TouchPay)
- Create an account or proceed as a guest
- Enter the inmate's information and deposit amount
- Pay using credit card, debit card, or electronic check
- Service fees apply to online transactions
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Kiosk Deposits:
- Use the automated kiosk located in the lobby of the Wake County Detention Center
- 3301 Hammond Road, Raleigh, NC 27610
- Available 24 hours daily
- Cash, credit, and debit payments accepted
- Receipt provided for all transactions
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Mail Money Orders:
- Send money orders (no personal checks or cash) to: Wake County Detention Center Inmate Accounts PO Box 550 Raleigh, NC 27602
- Include inmate's full name and booking number
- Money orders must be payable to the inmate
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In-Person Deposits:
- Visit the Wake County Detention Center during business hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Bring valid government-issued photo identification
- Complete deposit form at service counter
All funds received are subject to processing times, which vary by deposit method. Deposits may also be subject to deductions for outstanding fees, restitution, or other court-ordered financial obligations before becoming available to the inmate.
How To Send Jail Mail In Wake County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Wake County facilities must adhere to specific guidelines established to maintain security and operational efficiency. The following procedures apply to all mail sent to Wake County inmates:
Mailing Address Format: Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number Wake County Detention Center 3301 Hammond Road Raleigh, NC 27610
Mail regulations include:
- All incoming mail must include a return address with the sender's full name
- Letters must be on plain white, lined, or unlined paper
- Envelopes must be plain white or manila
- Photographs may be sent but must not exceed 4" x 6" and cannot contain nudity, gang symbols, or depictions of criminal activity
- Publications must be sent directly from the publisher or authorized retailer
- No packages may be sent directly to inmates
- No stickers, glitter, lipstick marks, perfume, or other substances are permitted on correspondence
- Legal mail must be clearly marked as such and will be opened in the presence of the inmate
All non-legal mail is opened, inspected, and may be read by facility staff prior to delivery to the inmate. Items that do not comply with facility regulations will be returned to sender, destroyed, or placed in the inmate's property to be returned upon release.
Electronic messaging options may also be available through approved third-party vendors. Information regarding these services can be obtained by contacting the Wake County Detention Center directly at (919) 856-7007.
Lookup Inmate Records in Wake County
Search criminal offender records online
Access Wake County court records
Find information about visiting Wake County inmates