Craven County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Craven County?
Inmate records in Craven County are official government documents maintained by the Craven County Sheriff's Office and detention facilities that document individuals in custody within the county's correctional system. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 153A-220, these records constitute an essential component of local government record-keeping related to public safety and criminal justice administration.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While the Craven County Clerk of Superior Court maintains case files documenting legal proceedings, charges, and court dispositions, the Craven County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records documenting the physical detention and management of individuals in custody. These parallel but separate record systems serve different governmental functions.
The creation of inmate records begins at booking, when an individual is processed into the Craven County Detention Center. During this intake procedure, detention staff collect and document:
- Biographical information
- Photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprints
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening information
- Charge information
- Arresting agency details
These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's incarceration to document housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical care, court appearances, and other significant events. Upon release, the inmate record is completed with discharge information but remains part of the permanent record system maintained by the Sheriff's Office.
Are Inmate Records Public In Craven County?
Inmate records in Craven County are generally considered public records under the North Carolina Public Records Law § 132-1, which establishes that records made or received in the transaction of public business are the property of the people. However, access to specific components of inmate records may be restricted based on privacy considerations and security concerns as outlined in North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1.4 regarding criminal investigations and § 132-1.7 regarding sensitive public security information.
The following inmate record information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information
- Charges filed
- Mugshots
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Housing facility location
Certain information within inmate records is exempt from public disclosure, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
- Information that would compromise facility security
- Records related to ongoing investigations
The Craven County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides public access to basic information about individuals currently in custody at the Craven County Detention Center.
What's Included Inmate Records in Craven County
Inmate records in Craven County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county detention system. These records typically include:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or known nicknames
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and identifying marks
- Mugshot photographs
- Fingerprints
- State identification numbers
- Booking identification numbers
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer
- Reason for arrest
- Housing assignment within facility
- Classification status
- Disciplinary records
- Visitor logs
- Phone call logs
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Warrant numbers
- Citation numbers
- Charge severity (misdemeanor/felony)
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
- Charge disposition
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (secured, unsecured, cash)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Bondsman information (if applicable)
- Bond conditions
Court Information:
- Court case numbers
- Scheduled court dates
- Court appearance records
- Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior)
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction date
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/work time credits
- Probation/parole eligibility dates
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Release type (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, Subchapter J, which establishes minimum standards for local confinement facilities.
Craven County Prison System
The Craven County correctional system operates under the authority of the Craven County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration of the county detention facility. This local system is distinct from the North Carolina state prison system operated by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.
The Craven County Detention Center primarily houses:
- Individuals awaiting trial (pre-trial detainees)
- Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically sentences of less than one year)
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions
It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system. The Craven County Detention Center is a local facility designed for short-term incarceration, while state prisons are designed for long-term confinement of individuals convicted of felonies with sentences exceeding one year.
Craven County Sheriff's Office
1100 Clarks Road
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 636-6620
Craven County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Craven County
Craven County maintains a single primary correctional facility:
Craven County Detention Center
1100 Clarks Road
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 636-6618
Craven County Detention Center
The Craven County Detention Center is a medium-security facility operated by the Craven County Sheriff's Office. This facility houses both male and female inmates and has a capacity of approximately 292 beds. The detention center includes:
- General population housing units
- Administrative segregation units
- Medical housing
- Intake/booking area
- Visitation areas
- Medical services unit
- Food service facilities
- Recreation areas
The facility is staffed by certified detention officers who have completed training requirements established by the North Carolina Sheriff's Education and Training Standards Commission.
Craven County does not operate separate minimum-security facilities, work release centers, or juvenile detention facilities. Juvenile offenders from Craven County are typically housed in regional juvenile detention facilities operated by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety's Juvenile Justice Section.
Individuals sentenced to state prison terms are transferred from the Craven County Detention Center to facilities operated by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.
Who's in Prison In Craven County
The Craven County Detention Center houses several categories of individuals:
Pre-trial Detainees: The majority of individuals housed in the Craven County Detention Center are awaiting trial or other court proceedings. These individuals have been charged with crimes but have not been convicted and are presumed innocent under the law. They remain in custody because:
- They have not posted the required bail
- They have been denied bail due to flight risk or public safety concerns
- They are being held on probation violations
- They are awaiting transfer to other jurisdictions
Sentenced Misdemeanants: Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses with sentences of less than one year typically serve their time in the county detention center rather than state prison. Common misdemeanor convictions include:
- Driving While Impaired (DWI)
- Simple assault
- Shoplifting
- Trespassing
- Disorderly conduct
- Minor drug possession
Temporarily Housed State Inmates: Some individuals who have been sentenced to state prison may be temporarily housed in the county detention center while awaiting transfer to a state facility or while returning for local court appearances.
Federal Detainees: Through intergovernmental agreements, the Craven County Detention Center may house federal detainees awaiting trial in federal court or transfer to federal prison facilities.
Probation/Parole Violators: Individuals who have violated the terms of their probation or parole may be held in the detention center pending hearings or revocation proceedings.
According to data from the Craven County Sheriff's Office, the detention center population fluctuates but typically includes individuals charged with or convicted of offenses ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Craven County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Craven County may utilize several methods to access this information:
Online Inmate Search: The most efficient method for locating current inmates is through the Craven County Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal:
- Visit the Craven County Active Bookings website
- No login or account creation is required
- Search by entering the inmate's last name, first name, or booking number
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Next court date
- Facility location
In-Person Request: Records may be requested in person at:
Craven County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1100 Clarks Road
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 636-6620
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
When requesting records in person, individuals should:
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide specific information about the inmate (full name, date of birth)
- Be prepared to pay applicable copying fees
Written Request: Written requests for inmate records may be submitted to:
Craven County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Records Division
1100 Clarks Road
New Bern, NC 28562
Written requests should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Time period covered by the request
- Preferred method of receiving records
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6.2, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying public records, but inspection of records is generally free of charge.
How To Find an Inmate in Craven County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Craven County can be accomplished through several free methods:
Craven County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Search: The most direct method for finding current inmates at no cost:
- Access the Craven County Active Bookings database
- Enter the inmate's last name in the search field
- For more specific results, include first name if known
- Review the list of matching inmates
- The system provides booking information, charges, bond amounts, and next court dates
North Carolina Offender Public Information Search: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:
- Visit the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Offender Search
- Enter the individual's name or ID number
- Review results for current location and status within the state system
North Carolina Court System: To locate individuals through their court cases:
- Access the North Carolina Judicial Branch Court Dates search
- Enter the individual's name
- Select Craven County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Review court dates and case information
- Court records may indicate custody status and location
Telephone Inquiry: Contact the Craven County Detention Center directly:
Craven County Detention Center
1100 Clarks Road
New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 636-6618
Hours for phone inquiries: 24 hours daily
When calling, be prepared to provide:
- Inmate's full legal name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
For privacy and security reasons, detention staff may limit the information provided over the telephone to basic custody status and public record information.
How To Visit an Inmate In Craven County
Visitation at the Craven County Detention Center is regulated by specific policies designed to maintain facility security while allowing inmates to maintain community connections. The following guidelines apply to all visitors:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visits are conducted via video visitation system
- Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
- Visitors must register in the visitation system prior to scheduling
- Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
- All visitors are subject to security screening
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Visit Schedule:
- Video visitation hours: Wednesday through Sunday
- Morning session: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Afternoon session: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Evening session: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
- Visit schedules may be modified during holidays or emergency situations
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Visitation confirmation number
- Vehicle keys (all other items must remain in vehicle or lockers)
- Medical necessities (with prior approval)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Tools
- Drugs or alcohol
- Tobacco products or electronic cigarettes
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Cameras or recording equipment
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
Dress Code:
- Conservative, appropriate attire is required
- No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No gang-related clothing or colors
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
Visit Types:
- Standard video visitation (on-site)
- Remote video visitation (from approved devices, fees apply)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
- Special visits (with prior approval from facility administration)
Visit Restrictions:
- Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
- Individuals on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
- Visitors with active warrants or pending criminal charges may be denied
- Visitors who violate facility rules may have visitation privileges suspended
These policies are established in accordance with North Carolina Administrative Code 10A NCAC 14J .1513 regarding visitation in local confinement facilities.
How To Send Money to a Craven County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed at the Craven County Detention Center have several options for depositing funds into inmate accounts:
Online Deposits: The most convenient method for sending funds:
- Visit the Craven County Sheriff's Office website
- Select the "Send Money to an Inmate" link
- Follow the prompts to create an account with the third-party payment processor
- Enter the inmate's full name and booking number
- Enter payment information and deposit amount
- Confirm transaction and retain receipt number
Kiosk Deposits: Funds may be deposited via kiosk located in the detention center lobby:
- Visit the Craven County Detention Center during lobby hours (8:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily)
- Use the automated kiosk in the lobby
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Cash and credit/debit cards accepted
- Receipt provided upon completion
Mail Money Orders: Money orders may be sent via postal mail:
- Purchase money order from approved vendor (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Make payable to the inmate's full legal name and booking number
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or third-party checks
- Mail to:
Craven County Detention Center
Attn: Inmate Accounts
1100 Clarks Road
New Bern, NC 28562 - Include sender's full name and return address
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
- Maximum account balance: $1,000.00
Transaction Fees:
- Online deposits: $2.50 - $10.00 (fee varies based on deposit amount)
- Kiosk deposits: $2.00 - $8.00 (fee varies based on deposit amount)
- Money order deposits: No fee
Prohibited Funds:
- Cash sent through mail
- Personal checks
- Business checks
- Third-party checks
- Cashier's checks
Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:
- Commissary purchases
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Phone calls
- Video visitation fees
- Release funds
Restricted Uses:
- Funds cannot be transferred between inmates
- Funds cannot be used for bail or bond payments
- Funds cannot be used for court costs or fines while incarcerated
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with facility policies and North Carolina General Statutes § 162-62 regarding local confinement facilities.
How To Send Jail Mail In Craven County
Correspondence with inmates at the Craven County Detention Center is permitted but subject to specific regulations to maintain facility security and safety:
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Mail must include the sender's full name and return address
- Inmate's full name and booking number must appear on the envelope
- Mail without proper identification may be returned to sender
Mailing Address Format:
Inmate Full Name, Booking Number
Craven County Detention Center
1100 Clarks Road
New Bern, NC 28562
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
- Money orders (following financial guidelines)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Hardcover books or magazines
- Newspapers or periodicals (must be sent directly from publisher)
- Stickers, labels, or adhesive materials
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Polaroid photographs
- Laminated items
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Food items or candy
- Clothing or personal items
- Sexually explicit materials
- Materials depicting violence or criminal activity
- Gang-related materials
Books and Publications:
- Books must be paperback only
- Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Maximum of 3 books in possession at one time
- Subject to content review by facility staff
E-Messages: The facility offers a digital messaging system:
- Create an account on the approved vendor platform
- Purchase message credits
- Compose and send messages
- Messages are subject to review before delivery
- Fees apply for each message sent
All mail procedures comply with North Carolina Administrative Code 10A NCAC 14J .0901 regarding inmate mail in local confinement facilities.
Lookup Inmate Records in Craven County
Craven County Sheriff's Office
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction offender search