This page helps with inmate search tasks in Buncombe County, North Carolina by pointing you to the official detainee search and related jail information.

For current custody information, start with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office detainee search. The Buncombe County Detention Facility also provides public guidance on visitation, mail, phone calls, and detainee resources.

Use the official Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office search tool to look for detainees connected to the county detention system.

Search the Buncombe County detainee catalog.

If a result is unclear, check the spelling of the person’s name and review any available booking details carefully. People charged by local law enforcement agencies in Buncombe County are brought to the detention facility on a pre-trial basis while awaiting court dates.

Buncombe County Detention Facility

The Buncombe County Detention Facility includes the main jail facility and a jail annex, with a total housing capacity of 524 inmates. The facility houses an average of 430 inmates daily.

Inmates are processed and released 24 hours a day when directed by the judicial system. For jail rules and public detainee resources, review the Buncombe County Sheriff detention page.

Major Jill Banks is the Detention Facility Administrator. Captain Jeffrey Littrell and Captain Vivian Bacote help oversee detention operations along with command and shift staff.

Visitation rules and scheduling

On-site visitation is available Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 10:30 am and from 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm. Visits are in 20-minute intervals and must be scheduled 24 hours in advance.

First-time visits can be arranged through the Detention Facility Front Desk. Visitors must bring a valid state or federal ID card or driver’s license with a photograph. Adults age 16 or older must have proper identification to visit.

  • Minors age 15 or younger do not need identification when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Children may not be left unattended.
  • A visit may consist of one adult and one child.
  • Purses, bags, weapons, cell phones, cameras, tobacco items, lighters, sharp items, paper, pens, pencils, and recording devices are not allowed.
  • Inappropriate behavior can end the visit immediately.

Detainee mail, books, and packages

Inmates receive mail through TextBehind. Physical letters must include the sender’s full first and last name and complete address.

Books and magazines must be new, softcover when applicable, and mailed correctly. The facility no longer accepts books or packages from Amazon. Family and friends may order books directly from the publisher or approved vendors.

Package rule: packages must be shipped by USPS, FedEx, or UPS, and items that do not follow facility policy may be rejected or returned.

The facility accepts only six books at a time per detainee. Detainees may request up to two magazine subscriptions and may possess two magazines in their cells at a time. Newspaper subscriptions are allowed, but a detainee may possess only one newspaper at a time.

Phone calls and detainee deposits

Inmates may use phones during free time for their assigned housing unit. Calls are not collect. A phone account or available inmate funds are needed for calls.

The detention page also lists detainee deposits as a jail inmate resource, along with PREA information, detainee search, visitation rules, and phone and mail guidance.

Public records requests

For records beyond the public detainee search, Buncombe County uses a public records request portal for general County, 911 Dispatch, Sheriff’s Office, and Health and Human Services records.

Use the Buncombe County public records request portal when you need to submit a detailed request. Be specific with names, keywords, dates, timeframes, email addresses, or document types.

Court records are separate from Buncombe County Government. The Register of Deeds handles vital records, marriage, real estate, and related records on its own portal.

Buncombe County inmate search contacts

Use these contacts for jail-related questions, first-time visitation scheduling, or Sheriff’s Office contact needs.

  • Buncombe County Detention Facility Front Desk
    Phone: (828) 250-4610 or (828) 250-4557
  • Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, 60 Court Plaza, 4th Floor, Asheville, NC 28801
    Office: (828) 250-4503
    Hours: M-F: 8am – 5pm; S-S: CLOSED
  • Professional Standards tow services submissions, 60 Court Plaza, Attention: Professional Standards
    Email: [email protected]

Common questions

Where can I search for a Buncombe County detainee?

Use the official Buncombe County detainee catalog for the public detainee search.

Who is brought to the Buncombe County Detention Facility?

Individuals charged by local law enforcement agencies in Buncombe County are brought to the detention facility on a pre-trial basis while waiting for court dates.

When are inmates processed and released?

Inmates are processed and released 24 hours a day when the judicial system instructs the facility to do so.

How do I schedule a first-time visit?

First-time visits can be arranged through the Detention Facility Front Desk at (828) 250-4610 or (828) 250-4557.

Can family or friends send books to a detainee?

Yes, but books must be new, softcover, and ordered directly from the publisher or approved vendors. The detention center does not accept books or packages from Amazon.

Submit a request through the Buncombe County public records request portal for Sheriff’s Office records, 911 Dispatch records, general County records, or Health and Human Services records.