Wake County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Wake County?

Inmate records in Wake County are official documents that contain information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated in the county's detention facilities. These records are maintained by the Wake County Sheriff's Office and include personal information, criminal history, custody status, and other relevant details about inmates.

Are Inmate Records Public In Wake County?

Yes, inmate records in Wake County are considered public records under North Carolina law. The public has the right to access basic information about individuals in custody, though some sensitive information may be redacted to protect privacy and security. These records are accessible through various online databases and in-person at relevant government offices.

What's Included Inmate Records in Wake County

Wake County inmate records typically include:

• Full name and aliases
• Booking date and time
• Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
• Mugshot
• Current charges
• Bond information
• Court dates
• Custody status
• Expected release date (when applicable)
• Housing location within the facility

Wake County Prison System

The Wake County prison system operates under the jurisdiction of both the Wake County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. The county maintains the Wake County Detention Center for pre-trial detainees and those serving shorter sentences, while longer sentences are served in state prisons.

The Wake County Sheriff's Office manages the county detention facilities located at 401 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601.

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction oversees state prison facilities and has its headquarters at 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Wake County

Wake County has several types of correctional facilities:

1. Wake County Detention Center - The main county jail facility for pre-trial detainees and those serving sentences of less than one year.

2. State Prison Facilities - Several state-run prisons are located in or near Wake County, including:

   • Central Prison (maximum security)
   • North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women
   • Wake Correctional Center (minimum security)

3. Community Corrections - Facilities for probation, parole, and community supervision programs.

Who's in Prison In Wake County

The Wake County prison population consists of:

• Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
• Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanors (typically less than one year)
• Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
• State prisoners serving longer sentences for felony convictions
• Federal detainees being temporarily housed through interagency agreements

Demographics reflect the broader community but with disproportionate representation of certain populations, particularly young males and minorities.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Wake County in 2025

To search for inmate records in Wake County in 2025:

1. Use the Wake County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search tool on their official website.

2. Visit the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction's Offender Public Information Search at https://webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view

3. Use the Automated System Query (ASQ) for more detailed reports at https://webapps.doc.state.nc.us/apps/asqExt/ASQ

4. Check NC SAVAN (Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification) at https://www.vinelink.com/vinelink/siteInfoAction.do?siteId=34003

5. For in-person searches, visit the Wake County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 330 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

How To Find an Inmate in Wake County for Free?

Finding an inmate in Wake County for free is straightforward:

1. Use the Wake County Sheriff's Office website's free inmate lookup tool.

2. Access the NC Department of Adult Correction's free public offender search at https://webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view

3. Call the Wake County Detention Center directly at (919) 856-6900 for basic inmate information.

4. Visit the Wake County Justice Center in person at 300 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 to request inmate information.

5. Use VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) at 1-877-627-2826 or online at www.vinelink.com

How To Visit an Inmate In Wake County

To visit an inmate in Wake County:

1. Check the visitation schedule and rules on the Wake County Sheriff's Office website.

2. Register for visitation at least 24 hours in advance.

3. Bring valid government-issued photo ID.

4. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled visit.

5. Follow all facility dress codes and conduct rules.

6. For the Wake County Detention Center, visit 3301 Hammond Road, Raleigh, NC 27610

7. For state prisons in the area, check the specific facility's visitation policies through the NC Department of Adult Correction.

How To Send Money to a Wake County Inmate

To send money to a Wake County inmate:

1. Online: Use the approved vendor system through the Wake County Sheriff's Office website.

2. Kiosk: Use payment kiosks located in the lobby of the Wake County Detention Center at 3301 Hammond Road, Raleigh, NC 27610

3. Mail: Send money orders (no personal checks or cash) to: Wake County Detention Center Inmate's Full Name and ID Number P.O. Box 2458 Raleigh, NC 27602

4. In-Person: Make deposits at the Wake County Detention Center during regular business hours.

How To Send Jail Mail In Wake County

To send mail to an inmate in Wake County:

1. Address the envelope with:

   • Inmate's full name and ID number
   • Facility name
   • Facility address

2. For the Wake County Detention Center: Inmate's Full Name and ID Number Wake County Detention Center P.O. Box 2458 Raleigh, NC 27602

3. Include your return address on all correspondence.

4. Do not send contraband, cash, or packages.

5. All mail is inspected before delivery to inmates.

6. Consider using the approved electronic messaging system for faster delivery.

Lookup Inmate Records in Wake County

For comprehensive inmate searches in Wake County and North Carolina, use these official resources:

• Criminal Offender Searches | NC DAC - Official North Carolina Department of Adult Correction page with tools for searching state prison offenders, probationers, and parolees, including historical data back to 1972.

• Offender Public Information Search / Offender Locator - Search for up-to-date information on North Carolina state prison offenders, probationers, and parolees.

• Automated System Query (ASQ) - Provides specialized reports based on selected criteria, offering counts and demographic information on offenders.

• NC SAVAN Search - Provides notifications about an offender's custody status to victims and their families, covering county jail inmates, state prisoners, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders.

• NC Sex Offender Registry - Database showing residential locations of registered sex offenders in North Carolina, maintained by the State Bureau of Investigation.

• Interstate Compact Offender Tracking - Information on probationers or parolees whose supervision has been transferred to another state.