Mecklenburg County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Mecklenburg County?
Inmate records in Mecklenburg County are official documents maintained by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office that contain information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county detention facilities. These records are created and maintained pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §153A-221, which establishes standards for local confinement facilities, and §132-1, which defines public records.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of these records, which document an individual's incarceration history within the county detention system. These records typically include:
- Booking information
- Mugshot photographs
- Current custody status
- Scheduled court dates
- Charges and case numbers
- Bond information
- Projected release dates (when applicable)
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office 700 East 4th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: (980) 314-5000 Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Are Inmate Records Public In Mecklenburg County?
Inmate records in Mecklenburg County are generally considered public information in accordance with North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. §132-1 et seq.). This statute 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."
Members of the public may access basic inmate information through the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal. However, certain limitations apply:
- Some information may be redacted to protect privacy rights or security concerns
- Records pertaining to juveniles (under 18) are generally not public, pursuant to N.C.G.S. §7B-3000
- Medical and mental health information is protected under HIPAA and state privacy laws
- Information that might compromise facility security may be withheld
- Active investigation materials may be temporarily restricted
The Sheriff's Office maintains compliance with both transparency requirements and privacy protections as mandated by state and federal regulations.
What's Included Inmate Records in Mecklenburg County
Inmate records maintained by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §153A-225 and administrative policies, these records typically include:
- Demographic information (name, date of birth, gender, race)
- Booking date and time
- Arrest information and arresting agency
- Physical description and identifying marks
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint data
- Current charges and associated case numbers
- Bond amounts and types
- Court information including scheduled appearances
- Custody classification
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Disciplinary records during incarceration
- Visitor logs
- Commissary account information
- Release date (actual or projected)
Certain sensitive information contained within these records, such as Social Security numbers, medical diagnoses, and victim information, may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with N.C.G.S. §132-1.10 and other applicable privacy statutes.
Mecklenburg County Prison System
The Mecklenburg County detention system operates under the authority of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office as established by N.C.G.S. §162-22. The system primarily consists of two main detention facilities that house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year.
Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central 801 East 4th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: (980) 314-5400 Mecklenburg County Detention Facilities
Mecklenburg County Detention Center-North 5235 Spector Drive Charlotte, NC 28269 Phone: (980) 314-7000 Mecklenburg County Detention Facilities
The detention system operates in coordination with:
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for arrests and bookings
- North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for transfers to state facilities
- Mecklenburg County Courts for case processing and sentencing
The Sheriff's Office maintains responsibility for the safety, security, and constitutional treatment of all persons remanded to custody by the courts.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Mecklenburg County
Mecklenburg County maintains a multi-tiered correctional system designed to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations as authorized under N.C.G.S. §153A-218. The county's correctional infrastructure includes:
Detention Centers
- Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central: Maximum/medium security facility primarily housing male inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences less than one year
- Mecklenburg County Detention Center-North: Medium security facility housing both male and female inmates
Specialized Housing Units
- Medical housing for inmates requiring healthcare monitoring
- Mental health units for inmates with psychiatric needs
- Administrative segregation for inmates requiring separation from general population
- Disciplinary housing for rule violations
- Protective custody for vulnerable inmates
Work Release Center
- Supervised facility allowing qualifying inmates to maintain employment while serving sentences
Electronic Monitoring Program
- Alternative to incarceration for low-risk offenders who meet strict eligibility requirements
- Administered by the Sheriff's Office Community Support Services Division
Mecklenburg County does not operate state prison facilities. Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to the custody of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, which maintains state prison facilities throughout North Carolina.
Who's in Prison In Mecklenburg County
The Mecklenburg County detention population consists of diverse individuals held under various legal statuses. According to data maintained by the Sheriff's Office pursuant to N.C.G.S. §153A-224, the inmate population typically includes:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings (approximately 70-75% of the population)
- Individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor convictions
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities following felony convictions
- Federal detainees held under intergovernmental agreements
- Individuals held on immigration detainers
- Probation/parole violators awaiting hearings
Demographic analysis of the detention population indicates:
- Male inmates constitute approximately 85-90% of the population
- Female inmates constitute approximately 10-15% of the population
- Age distribution ranges from 18 to senior citizens, with the majority between 20-40 years
- Racial and ethnic composition generally reflects arrest patterns within the jurisdiction
The average daily population fluctuates between 1,500-1,800 inmates across all facilities, with variations based on seasonal factors, court processing times, and law enforcement activity.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Mecklenburg County in 2025
Members of the public seeking inmate information in Mecklenburg County may utilize several official channels to access these records. The primary method for conducting inmate searches is through the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal. This online database is updated regularly and provides the following search options:
- Search by inmate name (last name, first name)
- Search by booking number
- Search by inmate ID number
To conduct a search, users must:
- Navigate to the official inmate search website
- Enter the required search criteria
- Review the results, which typically include booking photo, charges, bond information, and next court date
- Note that searches are logged and monitored for security purposes
Alternative methods for obtaining inmate information include:
In-Person Requests Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Records Division 700 East 4th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Phone: (980) 314-5100
Written Requests Records may be requested in writing by submitting a completed Public Records Request Form to: Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Attn: Records Division P.O. Box 31427 Charlotte, NC 28231
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §132-6.2, reasonable fees may apply for extensive searches or document reproduction.
How To Find an Inmate in Mecklenburg County for Free?
Mecklenburg County provides several no-cost options for locating individuals in custody, in accordance with public information provisions of N.C.G.S. §132-1. The following resources are available without charge:
Online Inmate Locator The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost. This database provides:
- Current custody status
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Next court date
- Expected release date (when applicable)
Telephone Information Line Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information: (980) 314-5200 Hours: 24 hours daily This automated system provides basic custody information for current inmates.
Judicial System Resources The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains court records that may confirm an individual's incarceration status: Mecklenburg County Courthouse 832 East 4th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: (704) 686-0100 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Users should note that while basic information is provided at no cost, fees may apply for certified copies of records or extensive research requests.
How To Visit an Inmate In Mecklenburg County
Visitation with inmates housed in Mecklenburg County detention facilities is governed by Sheriff's Office Policy and Procedure 5-600, in accordance with N.C.G.S. §153A-224. The following guidelines apply to all visitors:
Video Visitation System
- All non-professional visits occur via video visitation
- On-site video visits: Available at both detention facilities
- Remote video visits: Available from any internet-connected device for a fee
Visitation Schedule
- Central Detention Center: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- North Detention Center: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
- Each inmate is permitted two 25-minute visits per week
Registration Requirements
- All visitors must register through the online visitation system
- Valid government-issued photo identification required
- Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Visitors with criminal histories may be subject to additional review
Professional Visits Attorneys, clergy, and other professional visitors may arrange contact visits by contacting: Professional Visitation Coordinator Phone: (980) 314-5400 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Visitors are advised to verify an inmate's housing location and eligibility for visitation prior to scheduling by calling (980) 314-5200 or checking the inmate lookup system.
How To Send Money to a Mecklenburg County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Mecklenburg County detention facilities may utilize several approved methods. Pursuant to Sheriff's Office Policy 9-200, the following options are available:
Kiosk Deposits
- Self-service kiosks are located in the lobby of both detention facilities
- Available 24 hours daily
- Accept cash and credit/debit cards
- Receipts provided for all transactions
Online Deposits
- Available through the TouchPay system
- Accessible at TouchPay Direct
- Requires inmate name and ID number
- Processing fees apply
Phone Deposits
- TouchPay automated phone system: 1-866-232-1899
- Available 24/7
- Credit/debit card payments accepted
- Service fees apply
Mail Money Orders Money orders may be sent to: Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Inmate Trust Fund P.O. Box 31427 Charlotte, NC 28231
Requirements for money orders:
- Made payable to the inmate (full name)
- Inmate ID number clearly noted
- Sender's full name and address included
- Personal checks are not accepted
All funds received are deposited into the inmate's commissary account, which may be used to purchase approved items from the facility commissary or to pay for services such as remote video visitation or phone calls.
How To Send Jail Mail In Mecklenburg County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Mecklenburg County detention facilities is permitted subject to security protocols established under N.C.G.S. §153A-224 and Sheriff's Office Policy 10-300. The following guidelines apply to all mail sent to inmates:
Regular Mail All letters, cards, and photographs must be addressed to: Inmate Full Name, ID Number Mecklenburg County Detention Center (Central or North) P.O. Box 34429 Charlotte, NC 28234
Mail Restrictions
- Envelopes must include complete return address
- Maximum envelope size: 9" x 12"
- Photographs limited to 4" x 6", maximum of five per envelope
- No polaroid photos, stickers, or adhesive labels
- No perfumed or lipstick-marked items
- No crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- No cash or personal checks (money orders only)
Publications Books, magazines, and newspapers must:
- Be sent directly from the publisher or approved vendor
- Be paperback only (no hardcover books)
- Not contain material that violates facility security policies
Legal Mail Privileged correspondence from attorneys, courts, or government agencies should be clearly marked "Legal Mail" and include the sender's bar number or official letterhead.
All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and compliance with facility regulations. Mail that violates policy may be returned to sender, placed in the inmate's property, or destroyed if it contains contraband.
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