Catawba County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Catawba County?
Inmate records in Catawba County are official government documents maintained by the Catawba 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, county detention facilities must maintain accurate records of all persons committed to custody. These records begin at the intake process when an individual is first processed into the detention facility. The booking procedure initiates the creation of an inmate record, which is subsequently updated throughout the individual's period of incarceration.
Inmate records serve multiple governmental purposes:
- Documentation of lawful custody and detention
- Tracking of inmate location and status within the facility
- Management of inmate classification and housing assignments
- Administration of medical care and special needs
- Coordination with court systems regarding appearances and case status
- Facilitation of proper release procedures
Unlike court records that focus on case proceedings, charges, and legal determinations, inmate records specifically document the physical custody and administrative management of detained individuals. The Catawba County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and county policies.
Are Inmate Records Public In Catawba County?
Inmate records in Catawba County are 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 protocols.
The following inmate information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic identifying information (name, age, gender)
- Booking date and time
- Charges filed
- Bond/bail amounts
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Facility housing location (general information)
Certain elements of inmate records may be exempt from public disclosure under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1.7, which restricts access to sensitive security information. Additionally, medical records, certain personal identifying information, and juvenile records are protected from general public access.
Members of the public seeking inmate information can access basic details through the Catawba County Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal or by contacting the detention facility directly. The Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible database that is updated regularly to reflect current inmate population.
What's Included Inmate Records in Catawba County
Inmate records in Catawba County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's detention. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer information
- Classification status
- Housing assignment within facility
- Disciplinary records during incarceration
- Visitor logs
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Warrant or citation numbers
- Arresting agency case numbers
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
- Prior booking history (if applicable)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (secured, unsecured, cash)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Bondsman information (if applicable)
- Pre-trial release conditions
Court Information:
- Court case numbers
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Court location
- Judge assigned to case
- Court disposition information
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
The comprehensiveness of these records ensures proper management of the detention facility and facilitates coordination with the judicial system, law enforcement agencies, and other governmental entities involved in the criminal justice process.
Catawba County Prison System
The Catawba County detention system operates under the authority of the Catawba County Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the custody and care of individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than one year. This county-level system is distinct from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, which manages state prisons housing individuals convicted of more serious offenses with longer sentences.
The primary detention facility in Catawba County serves multiple functions within the local criminal justice system:
- Pre-trial detention for individuals awaiting court proceedings
- Incarceration for those serving misdemeanor sentences (typically up to one year)
- Temporary holding for individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Housing for individuals held on probation/parole violations
- Detention of individuals awaiting extradition to other jurisdictions
The Catawba County detention system operates in accordance with North Carolina General Statute § 153A-218, which establishes standards for county detention facilities. These facilities undergo regular inspections by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to ensure compliance with state regulations.
For information regarding detention facilities in Catawba County, members of the public may contact:
Catawba County Sheriff's Office
100 Government Drive
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-5241
Catawba County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Catawba County
Catawba County maintains several detention facilities to accommodate various custody needs and classification levels. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's correctional system:
Catawba County Detention Center
100 Government Drive
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 465-8336
Catawba County Detention Center
The main detention center is a secure facility designed to house adult male and female inmates of various classification levels. This facility accommodates pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms of less than one year. The detention center includes specialized housing units for:
- Maximum security inmates
- Medium security inmates
- Minimum security inmates
- Female inmates
- Special needs inmates
- Medical observation units
Burke-Catawba District Confinement Facility
200 Prison Camp Road
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 438-5585
This regional facility serves both Burke and Catawba Counties, primarily housing:
- Minimum security inmates
- Work release program participants
- Inmates serving weekend sentences
- Misdemeanant inmates with sentences under 90 days
Catawba County Juvenile Detention Center
115 Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard SE
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 323-8801
This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) who are awaiting court proceedings or placement in youth development centers. Juvenile records are confidential under North Carolina General Statute § 7B-3000 and are not accessible through public inmate searches.
Each facility operates under specific security protocols and programming designed to address the needs of its particular inmate population while maintaining public safety and facility security.
Who's in Prison In Catawba County
The Catawba County detention facilities house diverse populations of individuals who are in custody for various reasons. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Persons who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Those awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions
- Typically serving terms of less than one year
- May include those convicted of offenses such as:
- Driving While Impaired (DWI)
- Simple assault
- Petty larceny
- Trespassing
- Minor drug possession
Probation/Parole Violators:
- Individuals who have violated terms of community supervision
- May be held pending revocation hearings
- Could include technical violations or new criminal charges
Temporary Holds:
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Persons held on behalf of other counties or jurisdictions
- Those awaiting extradition proceedings
Weekend Inmates:
- Individuals serving sentences on weekends only
- Allows maintenance of employment while serving sentence
- Typically for minor offenses or first-time offenders
Work Release Participants:
- Inmates who work in the community during the day
- Return to the detention facility during non-working hours
- Program designed to maintain employment and facilitate reintegration
According to data from the Catawba County Sheriff's Office inmate search portal, the daily population fluctuates but typically includes individuals charged with or convicted of offenses ranging from minor infractions to serious felonies awaiting transfer to state facilities.
The demographic composition of the inmate population generally reflects a range of ages (18 and older), both male and female inmates, and various socioeconomic backgrounds. Juvenile offenders (under 18) are housed separately at the Juvenile Detention Center and are not included in adult inmate records.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Catawba County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate information in Catawba County may utilize several methods to access these records. The county currently maintains multiple platforms for inmate searches:
Online Inmate Search:
- Visit the Catawba County Sheriff's Office Who's In Jail portal
- No login or account creation is required for basic searches
- Enter search criteria in the provided fields:
- Inmate's last name (required)
- First name (optional, but recommended for common surnames)
- Middle initial (optional)
- Click the "Search" button to view results
- Results display basic information including:
- Full name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond amount
- Next court date
- Housing facility
In-Person Record Requests:
- Visit the Catawba County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- 100 Government Drive
- Newton, NC 28658
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide identification and specify the information requested
- Staff will process the request according to current county policies
- Fees may apply for printed records in accordance with North Carolina General Statute § 132-6.2
Telephone Inquiries:
- Contact the Catawba County Detention Center at (828) 465-8336
- Provide the full name of the inmate and date of birth if known
- Basic custody information may be provided over the phone
- Detailed record requests may require written submission
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:
- Visit the NC Offender Public Information Search
- Enter the individual's information in the search fields
- Results will indicate if the person is in state custody rather than county detention
When conducting searches, users should note that the most current and accurate information is available through official county channels. Third-party websites may contain outdated or incomplete information.
How To Find an Inmate in Catawba County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Catawba County detention facilities can be accomplished through several no-cost methods provided by county and state agencies. These free resources ensure public access to basic custody information:
Catawba County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Who's In Jail portal directly from any internet-connected device
- This free service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Search using the inmate's name (last name is required)
- The system displays current inmates only; released inmates will not appear
- Information is typically updated multiple times daily
Detention Center Phone Verification:
- Call the Catawba County Detention Center at (828) 465-8336
- Request verification of an individual's custody status
- Provide the full name and date of birth if available
- Basic information about custody status, charges, and bond may be provided
- Available during normal business hours
North Carolina Statewide Resources:
- The North Carolina Judicial Branch website provides free court case information
- Search by name to locate court dates and case status
- The NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Search covers state prisoners and county jail inmates
- These statewide resources can help locate individuals who may have been transferred between facilities
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Catawba County Sheriff's Office during business hours
- 100 Government Drive
- Newton, NC 28658
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Request basic inmate status information at the front desk
- No fees are charged for simple custody status verification
When using these free resources, members of the public should be prepared to provide accurate identifying information. Common names may return multiple results, so additional identifiers such as age or date of birth may be helpful in confirming the correct individual.
How To Visit an Inmate In Catawba County
Visitation with inmates housed in Catawba County detention facilities follows structured protocols designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. Visitors must adhere to the following guidelines:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
- Inmates may submit visitor request forms during their first week of incarceration
- Each inmate is permitted up to 5 approved visitors
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- Pre-registration is required at least 24 hours before the intended visit
Visit Schedule:
- General Population:
- Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Maximum Security:
- Monday and Thursday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- No visitation on holidays or during facility lockdowns
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
- Inmates are permitted two visits per week
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
- Medication needed during visit time (must be declared)
- Baby necessities if visiting with infant (one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras, smartwatches)
- Tobacco products or vaping devices
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20
- Letters, photos, or items for inmates
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts/skirts, see-through materials)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- Shoes and shirts required
- No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions may apply with prior approval)
Visit Types:
- Non-contact visits through glass partitions with telephone communication
- Video visitation available at designated terminals
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) conducted in separate interview rooms
- Special visits may be arranged for out-of-state visitors with advance approval
Visit Restrictions:
- Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
- Persons with active warrants or criminal cases will be denied entry
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence of substances will be denied
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination and possible suspension of privileges
- Violation of rules may result in permanent visitation restriction
For additional information or to schedule visits, contact:
Catawba County Detention Center Visitation Office
100 Government Drive
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 465-8340
All visitation policies are subject to change based on facility needs and security considerations in accordance with North Carolina Administrative Code 10A NCAC 14J .1513.
How To Send Money to a Catawba County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Catawba County detention facilities have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds enable inmates to purchase commissary items and pay for services within the facility.
Approved Money Transfer Methods:
-
Online Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay Payment Systems portal
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Select "Catawba County Detention Center" from the facility list
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Follow prompts to complete payment using credit/debit card
- Processing fees apply (typically $2.50-$10.00 depending on amount)
-
Kiosk Deposits:
- Available in the detention center lobby
- Located at 100 Government Drive, Newton, NC
- Accessible during lobby hours: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
- Accept cash, credit, or debit cards
- Provide receipt for all transactions
- Lower fee structure than online payments
-
Money Orders:
- Must be made payable to "Catawba County Detention Center"
- Include inmate's full name and ID number in memo line
- Mail to: Catawba County Detention Center, Inmate Accounts 100 Government Drive, Newton, NC 28658
- No personal checks accepted
- No processing fees for money orders
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
- Maximum account balance allowed: $1,000.00
Transaction Fees:
- Online deposits: Sliding scale based on amount ($2.50-$10.00)
- Kiosk deposits: $2.00 flat fee
- Money orders: No fee
Prohibited Funding Sources:
- Funds from other inmates or their families
- Proceeds from illegal activities
- Money from individuals with active protective orders against the inmate
- Funds from unidentified sources
Authorized Fund Uses:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Phone calls and video visitation fees
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Release funds
Restricted Fund Uses:
- Payment of fines or court costs (separate process required)
- Transfer to other inmates
- Payment for services outside the facility
- Bail or bond payments
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with North Carolina General Statute § 148-18.1. Suspicious transactions may be investigated and potentially rejected. Upon release, remaining funds are returned to the inmate via debit card or check.
How To Send Jail Mail In Catawba County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Catawba County detention facilities follows specific guidelines to ensure security while maintaining important connections with family, friends, and legal representatives. All mail must comply with the following regulations:
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name (as booked, no nicknames)
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Facility name and address: Catawba County Detention Center 100 Government Drive Newton, NC 28658
- Sender's full name and complete return address must appear on the envelope
- Mail without proper return address will be rejected
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected before delivery to inmates
- Mail is typically distributed within 24-48 hours of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters on plain white, lined, or colored paper (no cardstock)
- Greeting cards (plain paper only, no musical, pop-up, or oversized cards)
- Black and white photocopies of photographs (maximum 5 per envelope)
- Money orders (following financial transaction guidelines)
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to content review)
- Legal documents from attorneys or courts
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Original photographs
- Polaroid pictures
- Colored drawings or artwork using crayon, marker, or paint
- Cards larger than 5"x7"
- Envelopes inside of envelopes
- Plastic, metal, or wooden items of any kind
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Perfumed or scented items
- Bookmarks or laminated items
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes for return mail
- Publications not directly sent from publisher
- Any items containing biohazards or contraband
Legal Mail Procedures:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Privileged"
- Must come directly from licensed attorney, legal aid service, or court
- Opened in presence of inmate
- Subject to inspection for contraband but content not read by staff
- Legal mail is logged upon receipt and delivery
Publications and Books:
- Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Soft-cover books only (no hardcover)
- Maximum of 3 books or magazines per week
- Subject to content review for security concerns
- Religious texts allowed subject to same guidelines
E-Messages:
- Available through SmartJailMail
- Requires account creation and inmate information
- Fees apply per message
- Messages subject to same content restrictions as physical mail
- Typically delivered more quickly than postal mail
All mail procedures are administered in accordance with North Carolina Administrative Code 10A NCAC 14J .0906 and facility-specific policies. Violation of mail rules may result in rejection of correspondence and potential suspension of mail privileges. Questions regarding mail policies may be directed to the Detention Center at (828) 465-8336.
Lookup Inmate Records in Catawba County
Catawba County Detention Center