Carteret County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Carteret County?
Inmate records in Carteret County are official documents maintained by the Carteret County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated in county detention facilities. These records document the entire custody cycle from initial booking through release and are distinct from court records maintained by the judicial system.
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 153A-220, local confinement facilities are required to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to the county detention center. The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, where demographic information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge details are collected and documented. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, court appearances, and other significant events.
The Carteret County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for maintaining these records as they operate the county's detention facilities. While court records focus on case proceedings, judgments, and legal documents, inmate records specifically document the physical custody and supervision of detained individuals.
Inmate records serve multiple purposes including:
- Ensuring proper identification and tracking of incarcerated individuals
- Documenting compliance with court orders regarding detention
- Managing facility population and security requirements
- Providing information to authorized agencies and the public as permitted by law
- Supporting statistical reporting and analysis of detention operations
Are Inmate Records Public In Carteret County?
Yes, certain inmate records in Carteret County are considered public information under North Carolina law. The North Carolina Public Records Act § 132-1 establishes that records made or received in the transaction of public business are public property and accessible to citizens upon request, with specific exceptions.
For inmate records specifically, the following information is generally available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information including full name and aliases
- Mugshot photographs
- Charges filed and their status
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates (for sentenced inmates)
- Housing facility location
However, certain information within inmate records is protected from public disclosure, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Medical and mental health information
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Information that would compromise facility security
- Victim information in certain cases
The Carteret County Sheriff's Office provides public access to inmate information through their online inmate search portal as a service to the general public. This transparency allows family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties to verify custody status and obtain basic information about individuals in detention.
What's Included Inmate Records in Carteret County
Inmate records in Carteret County contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints and other biometric data
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency and officer
- Custody classification level
- Current housing assignment
- Disciplinary records during incarceration
- Visitor logs and approved visitor list
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Warrant or citation numbers
- Arresting agency case numbers
- Court case numbers
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (secured, unsecured, cash)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Bondsman information (if applicable)
- Court-ordered conditions of release
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates
- Court location
- Assigned judge
- Court appearance history
- Court disposition of charges
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/work time credits earned
- Probation/parole eligibility dates
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
- Release conditions
- Post-release supervision requirements
This information is maintained in accordance with North Carolina Administrative Code Title 10A, Chapter 14, which establishes minimum standards for local confinement facilities, including record-keeping requirements.
Carteret County Prison System
The Carteret County correctional system operates under the authority of the Carteret County Sheriff's Office, which maintains the county's detention facilities for individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of less than one year. It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system in North Carolina.
The county detention center primarily houses:
- Individuals awaiting trial who have not posted bail
- Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically up to one year)
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Temporary holds for other jurisdictions
By contrast, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety operates state prison facilities that house individuals convicted of felonies and serving sentences longer than one year.
The primary agency responsible for detention operations in Carteret County is:
Carteret County Sheriff's Office
304 Craven Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-8400
Carteret County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Sheriff's Office operates under the leadership of Sheriff Asa Buck and is responsible for all aspects of detention operations including inmate supervision, facility security, inmate transportation, and record-keeping in accordance with North Carolina General Statute § 162-22, which outlines the sheriff's duties regarding the county jail.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Carteret County
Carteret County maintains a single primary detention facility operated by the Sheriff's Office:
Carteret County Detention Center
304 Craven Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-8400
Detention Center
Facility Specifications:
- Medium-security facility
- Capacity: Approximately 116 beds
- Houses both male and female inmates
- Classification levels: minimum, medium, and maximum security
- Special housing units for administrative segregation and medical observation
The detention center includes:
- General population housing units
- Booking and intake processing area
- Medical services unit
- Visitation areas
- Administrative offices
- Kitchen and laundry facilities
The facility operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with trained detention officers providing continuous supervision of the inmate population. All operations comply with standards established by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Jail and Detention Section, which conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Carteret County does not operate specialized correctional facilities such as work release centers or juvenile detention facilities. Juveniles charged with criminal offenses are typically housed in regional juvenile detention centers operated by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety's Juvenile Justice division.
Who's in Prison In Carteret County
The Carteret County Detention Center houses several categories of individuals under various legal statuses. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses but have not yet been convicted
- Persons who have not posted bail or were denied bail due to flight risk or public safety concerns
- Those awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial dates
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to one year
- Persons serving consecutive misdemeanor sentences that may total more than one year
- Weekend or intermittent sentence servers (individuals permitted to serve their sentences on weekends or non-consecutive days)
Temporary Holds:
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after felony convictions
- Persons held on behalf of other counties or jurisdictions
- Federal detainees awaiting transfer to federal facilities (through intergovernmental agreements)
- Probation/parole violators awaiting hearings
Special Categories:
- Individuals serving contempt of court sentences
- Persons held on civil commitments
- Individuals awaiting competency evaluations or restoration
According to data from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, the average daily population of the Carteret County Detention Center fluctuates between 80-100 inmates, with the majority being pre-trial detainees. The demographic composition generally reflects the county's arrest patterns, with inmates ranging in age from 18 to senior citizens and varying offense types from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies.
The length of stay varies significantly based on case status, with pre-trial detainees potentially remaining in custody from a few days to several months depending on case complexity and court scheduling.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Carteret County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Carteret County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple options for conducting inmate searches:
Online Inmate Search Portal:
- Visit the Carteret County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search webpage
- Enter the required search criteria (last name, first name, or booking number)
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Housing location
- Next court date (if applicable)
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Carteret County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form at the front desk
- Provide identification and specify the information being requested
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the Carteret County Detention Center at (252) 728-8400
- Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
- Basic custody information may be provided over the phone, though detailed records typically require written requests
Written Request:
- Submit a formal public records request in writing to: Carteret County Sheriff's Office Attn: Records Division 304 Craven Street Beaufort, NC 28516
- Include specific information about the records being requested
- Provide contact information for response
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
For third-party requests (attorneys, bail bondsmen, etc.), additional verification may be required to establish legitimate interest in the records. All requests are processed in accordance with North Carolina public records laws.
How To Find an Inmate in Carteret County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Carteret County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods provided as public services:
County Online Inmate Locator: The most efficient method for finding current inmates is through the Carteret County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal, which provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody. This free service allows searches by:
- First and last name
- Booking number (if known)
- Date range of booking
The system returns basic custody information including charges, bond amounts, and next court dates for individuals currently detained.
North Carolina Offender Public Information Search: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Search provides information on inmates housed in state correctional facilities.
Telephone Verification: Members of the public may call the Carteret County Detention Center directly at (252) 728-8400 to verify if a specific individual is currently in custody. Basic information including confirmation of detention and visiting hours can be provided over the phone at no cost.
Court Records Search: The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains public access terminals at the Carteret County Courthouse where visitors can search court records that may indicate if an individual is in custody. The courthouse is located at:
Carteret County Courthouse
300 Courthouse Square
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-8500
These free resources provide basic custody information, though more detailed records may require formal requests and potentially incur reproduction fees in accordance with North Carolina public records fee schedules.
How To Visit an Inmate In Carteret County
The Carteret County Detention Center maintains specific policies and procedures for inmate visitation to ensure security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visits must comply with facility regulations as outlined below:
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Wednesday through Sunday
- Male inmates: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Female inmates: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Maximum security and special management inmates: Limited schedule, typically Tuesdays only
- No visits on Mondays (reserved for facility maintenance and cleaning)
- No visits on county-observed holidays
Visit Types:
- Non-contact visits through secure visitation booths (standard for most inmates)
- Video visitation services available for remote connections
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.) in designated interview rooms
- Special visits may be arranged with advance approval from facility administration
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list (maximum of 8 visitors per inmate)
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session, one visit per visiting day
- Maximum of two visitors per inmate per session
- All visitors must successfully clear security screening
- Visitors must register at least 30 minutes before the end of the visiting period
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (no shorts above mid-thigh, no tank tops, no low-cut tops)
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
- No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
- Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Cameras or recording equipment
- Weapons of any kind
- Food or beverages
- Tobacco products or vaping devices
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $50
Visit Restrictions:
- Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
- Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
- Individuals with active warrants or pending criminal charges may be subject to arrest
- Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination and possible suspension of visiting privileges
These regulations are established pursuant to North Carolina Administrative Code 10A NCAC 14J .1513, which governs visitation in local confinement facilities.
How To Send Money to a Carteret County Inmate
The Carteret County Detention Center provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses.
Online Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay Payment Systems website
- Select "Carteret County Detention Center" from the facility list
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using a credit or debit card
- Service fees apply (typically 3-5% of deposit amount)
- Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours
Lobby Kiosk:
- Visit the Carteret County Detention Center lobby during regular business hours
- Use the self-service kiosk located in the public area
- Follow on-screen instructions to deposit funds
- Cash, credit, and debit cards accepted
- Minimal service fees apply
- Funds are typically available within 1-2 hours
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase a money order payable to "Carteret County Detention Center"
- Write the inmate's full name and ID number in the memo line
- Mail to: Carteret County Detention Center Inmate Accounts 304 Craven Street Beaufort, NC 28516
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or other items with the money order
- No service fees for money orders
- Funds are typically available within 3-5 business days after receipt
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
- Maximum account balance: $1,000.00
Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone calls
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Restitution payments (if court-ordered)
- Release funds
Prohibited Uses:
- Transfer to other inmates
- Payment for services from other inmates
- Purchase of contraband items
- Gambling activities
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review by detention staff. Suspicious activity may result in administrative action, including potential criminal investigation if fraud or other illegal activity is suspected.
How To Send Jail Mail In Carteret County
Correspondence with inmates at the Carteret County Detention Center must follow specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. All mail is subject to inspection and must comply with facility regulations.
Mailing Address Format:
Inmate's Full Name, ID Number
Carteret County Detention Center
304 Craven Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter, no padding)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
- Money orders (see money sending section for details)
- Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
- Stickers, labels, or adhesive stamps inside the envelope
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Polaroid photographs
- Cash or personal checks
- Postage stamps or envelopes
- Clothing or personal items
- Food items or cosmetics
- Any items containing biohazards or unknown substances
Mail Inspection Procedures: All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband and compliance with facility rules. Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies is opened in the presence of the inmate.
Publication Deliveries: Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor through the mail. These items are subject to content review and may be rejected if they contain material that:
- Depicts or describes procedures for manufacturing weapons or drugs
- Contains explicit sexual content
- Advocates violence, gang activity, or racial hatred
- Presents escape plans or other security threats
E-Messages: The facility offers a secure electronic messaging system through SmartJailMail. Family and friends can create an account online to send electronic messages to inmates for a nominal fee. These messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail.
Mail Restrictions:
- Correspondence with other incarcerated individuals requires prior approval
- Inmates under disciplinary action may have limited mail privileges
- Mail that appears to contain coded messages may be rejected
- Excessive mail volume may be limited at the discretion of facility administration
All mail policies are established in accordance with North Carolina General Statute § 153A-224, which governs supervision and care of local confinement facilities.