Wake County Arrest Records Search | Jail & Police Logs
Wake County arrest records are public documents that provide information about individuals who have been arrested within Wake County, North Carolina.
These records are often used by employers, landlords, journalists, attorneys, and everyday citizens who want to verify arrest details or check someone’s criminal history.
Understanding how to access and search Wake County arrest records can save time and help you find accurate, official information.
This guide explains what Wake County arrest records include, how to search arrests, view the jail roster, check police logs, use the DOC offender search, and find official government websites.
What Are Wake County Arrest Records?
Wake County arrest records document law enforcement actions when someone is taken into custody. These records are created by local police departments, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies.
Wake County arrest records may include:
- Full name of the arrested person
- Date and location of the arrest
- Arresting agency (police or sheriff)
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number and mugshot (if available)
- Jail or detention facility location
- Bond or bail amount
- Court case number (if assigned)
👉 Important note: An arrest record does not mean the person is guilty. It only shows that an arrest occurred.
How to Search Wake County Arrest Records Online
Wake County provides several official tools to search arrest information online. These sources are reliable and updated regularly.
1. Wake County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Search
The Wake County Sheriff’s Office maintains records for people arrested and booked into county detention centers.
Official Website:
https://wakecountycourt.us/jail-roster/?
On the website, you can search by:
- First and last name
- Booking date
- Arrest number
This is the best place to start if the arrest happened recently.
Wake County Jail Roster Search
The Wake County jail roster lists individuals currently held in county detention facilities. It provides real-time inmate data.
Jail roster details usually include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond amount
- Housing location
- Court date information
This tool is helpful if you are trying to locate someone who is currently in jail.
Wake County Police Logs and Arrest Reports
Police logs show daily law enforcement activity, including arrests, incidents, and calls for service.
Where police logs come from:
- Raleigh Police Department
- Cary Police Department
- Apex Police Department
- Other local city police departments within Wake County
Most police departments publish arrest logs or incident reports on their official websites or through public records request portals.
Wake County Public Records Request:
https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/public-records
Wake County Court Records for Arrest Cases
After an arrest, cases often move to the court system. You can search Wake County criminal court records using the North Carolina Judicial Branch system.
You can search by:
- Name
- Case number
- Citation number
Court records show case status, charges, court dates, and final outcomes.
North Carolina DOC Offender Search (State Prison Records)
If someone was convicted and sent to state prison, their information will appear in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (DAC) offender database.
NC DOC Offender Search:
https://www.dac.nc.gov
This search includes:
- Inmate name and ID
- Facility location
- Offense details
- Sentence length
- Release date (if available)
This database does not include county jail inmates who have not been sentenced.
Are Wake County Arrest Records Public?
Yes, Wake County arrest records are considered public records under North Carolina law. However, access may be limited in certain cases involving:
- Juveniles
- Sealed or expunged records
- Ongoing investigations
If a record is restricted, it may not appear in online searches.
How to Request Wake County Arrest Records Offline
If you cannot find records online, you can request them in person or by mail.
Request options:
- Wake County Sheriff’s Office
- Local police department
- Wake County Clerk of Court
You may need to provide:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of arrest
- Valid photo ID
- Small processing fee (if applicable)
Common Uses of Wake County Arrest Records
People search arrest records for many reasons, including:
- Background checks
- Tenant screening
- Employment verification
- Legal research
- Personal safety awareness
Always use arrest record information responsibly and legally.
FAQs
Are Wake County arrest records free to search?
Yes, most online searches through official government websites are free.
How recent are Wake County jail records?
Jail rosters are usually updated several times a day.
Can I see mugshots in Wake County arrest records?
Mugshots may be available, but not all arrests include a public mugshot.
How long do arrest records stay public?
Arrest records remain public unless sealed, expunged, or restricted by law.
What’s the difference between arrest records and criminal records?
An arrest record shows detention; a criminal record shows convictions and court outcomes.
Can arrest records be removed?
In some cases, eligible individuals can request expungement under North Carolina law.
Is the Wake County DOC search the same as the jail roster?
No. The DOC search is for state prison inmates, while the jail roster shows county detainees.
Final Thoughts on Wake County Arrest Records
Wake County arrest records help promote transparency and public access to legal information.
Whether you’re checking recent arrests, searching the jail roster, reviewing police logs, or using the DOC offender search, always rely on official government sources for accurate and up-to-date information.
If you’re using these records for legal or professional purposes, consider confirming details through the Wake County Clerk of Court or an attorney.
Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide made your search for Wake County Arrest Records clear and stress-free.
