NC Arrest Records – Jail Roster & Inmate Search
North Carolina arrest records represent public documents generated when law enforcement takes an individual into custody.
These records attract searches from those tracking recent arrests, families monitoring inmate status, employers conducting background checks, and attorneys gathering case specifics.
Governed by North Carolina’s Public Records Law in Chapter 132 of the General Statutes, access to arrest and inmate data remains open, though search methods differ between county jails and state prisons.
This guide explains what NC arrest records include, how to search arrests, jail rosters, police logs, and the North Carolina Department of Corrections offender search, along with official sources and common FAQs.
What Are NC Arrest Records?
North Carolina arrest records serve as official documents generated when city police, county sheriff’s offices, or state law enforcement agencies take someone into custody.
These records merely confirm that an individual was detained and charged with an alleged offense—they do not indicate guilt or a conviction.
These records are maintained by:
- County sheriff’s offices
- Local police departments
- County detention centers
- North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS)
What Information Is Included in North Carolina Arrest Records?
Most NC arrest records contain the following details:
- Full name of the arrested person
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number or inmate ID
- Jail or detention facility name
- Bond or bail amount
- Court case number (if assigned)
Some records may also include:
- Mugshots (availability varies by county)
- Arrest location
- Release date or custody status
How to Search NC Arrest Records Online
North Carolina does not have one single statewide arrest database for county jails. Instead, arrest records are searched through county-level and state-level systems.
NC County Jail Roster Search
Most arrests in North Carolina are handled at the county jail level. Each county sheriff’s office manages its own jail roster.
A county jail roster usually shows:
- Current inmates
- Recent bookings
- Charges and bond information
- Booking and release dates
How to Search a Jail Roster
- Visit the county sheriff’s official website
- Look for “Inmate Search” or “Jail Roster”
- Enter the inmate’s name or booking number
Search example:
“Wake County NC jail roster” or “Mecklenburg County inmate search”
NC Police Arrest Logs
Police arrest logs (also called arrest blotters) provide summaries of daily or weekly law enforcement activity.
May include Police logs:
- Arrest summaries
- Incident reports
- Charges filed
- Arrest dates and locations
Police logs are typically available through:
- City police department websites
- Public records request portals
Availability varies by department.
North Carolina DOC Offender Search (State Prison Inmates)
If a person has been convicted and sentenced to state prison, their information will no longer appear in a county jail search. Instead, you must use the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) offender search.
What the DOC Search Shows
- Inmate name and offender ID
- Prison facility location
- Sentence length
- Offense details
- Projected release date
Official NC DOC Offender Search URL
https://www.ncdps.gov/offender-search
This is the official and verified North Carolina inmate search tool.
Are NC Arrest Records Public?
Yes. Under North Carolina public records law, most arrest records are considered public information. However, there are exceptions:
- Juvenile arrest records are not public
- Expunged or sealed records may not appear
- Some details may be restricted for privacy or safety reasons
How Far Back Do NC Arrest Records Go?
- County jail websites usually show current and recent arrests
- Older arrest records may require a public records request
- DOC offender records can go back several decades for convicted inmates
Can NC Arrest Records Be Expunged?
- Case outcome
- Type of charge
- Time passed since the arrest
Expungement removes the arrest from public view, but you must file a request through the court system.
Official NC Arrest Record & Inmate Search Websites
Here are trusted official sources in North Carolina:
- North Carolina DOC Offender Search
https://www.ncdps.gov/offender-search - County Sheriff Websites
https://ncsheriffs.org/find-a-sheriff?
Always use .gov or official sheriff domains to avoid outdated or inaccurate data.
FAQs
Are NC arrest records the same as criminal records?
No. Arrest records show an arrest occurred. Criminal records show convictions and sentencing.
Can I search NC arrest records for free?
Yes. Most county jail rosters and the NC DOC offender search are free to use.
Do NC arrest records include mugshots?
Some counties publish mugshots, but others restrict access due to state or local policy.
Can employers see arrest records in North Carolina?
Arrest records are public, but many employers focus on convictions during background checks.
Final Thoughts
NC arrest records are a valuable public resource for finding information about arrests, jail inmates, and offender status in North Carolina.
Whether you’re searching a county jail roster, police arrest logs, or the state DOC database, always rely on official government websites for accurate and up-to-date information.
