This page helps users handle an inmate search in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, by pointing to the main official search tool, common search fields, result limits, and next steps.

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office provides the MCSO Inmate Inquiry for current and recent jail records, with related arrest and detention information available through MCSO resources.

MCSO Inmate Inquiry

Use the MCSO Inmate Inquiry search to look for inmates in Mecklenburg County. The search includes current inmates and inmate records within the past three years.

Search options include:

  • Last name and first name
  • PID
  • JID
  • Prisoner type
  • Active inmates only

For a name search, enter at least one letter in the first name field. The system may reject a search with too many fields filled in, so narrow the search to the most useful identifier.

  • Open the inmate inquiry search.
  • Enter a name, PID, JID, prisoner type, or active-only filter.
  • Review matching records for the person’s name, PID, JID, height, and weight.
  • Select a result to review summary information, charges, mugshot details, and sentencing information when available.

Search tip: If no results appear, check spelling or widen the search. If more than 500 results appear, add a narrower search term.

Inmate identifiers and result details

The inmate inquiry uses two key identifiers. A PID is a Positive Identification Number assigned through fingerprint analysis and stays with the person across jail stays. A JID is a Jail Identification Number assigned for a specific booking and changes with each stay in jail.

Summary information may include the inmate’s name, alias name, arrest number, PID, race, ethnicity, sex, date of birth, address, and date committed. Charge information may include a trial court case number, charge description, process type, charge type, bond amount, and bond type.

Common charge and bond codes include:

Code type Examples Meaning
Charge type M, F, T, I Misdemeanor, felony, traffic, or infraction
Bond type SEC, UNS, CASH, CUST, NONE Secured, unsecured, cash only, custody of another, or no bond allowed
Disposition type A, B, E, I Active, bonded, expired, or inactive

Records coverage and updates

The inmate inquiry is updated in real time. When an inmate record changes, the change is displayed online immediately.

The system contains three years of data. Arrest and inmate inquiry information remains online for three years from the date of arrest or release from jail.

To remove information before the three-year period ends, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office must receive an Order of Expunction signed by a judge. For expunction questions, contact an attorney.

Arrest records and warrant information

For arrest records from the past three years, use the MCSO Arrest Inquiry search. It allows searching by last name, first name, arrest date, PID, or arrest number.

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office no longer provides warrant information to the general public. Unserved warrants are not public records. For information on served warrants, use the eCourts Portal.

Visitation after locating an inmate

MCSO visitation rules state that residents may receive visits under facility security conditions unless visitation privileges are suspended. A resident may refuse regular visitation.

Visitation hours are listed as 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, and arrivals more than 10 minutes late are automatically cancelled.

Review the MCSO visitation rules before scheduling. If there are problems scheduling a visit, call (855) 208-7349.

Mecklenburg County inmate search contacts

Use these Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office contacts for detention-related questions and facility information.

  • Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, 700 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
    Information line: (704) 336-8100
    Detention Operations, Arrest Processing, and Dispatch are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • Detention Center Central
    Phone: (980) 314-5200

Common questions

Where do I search for a Mecklenburg County inmate?

Use the MCSO Inmate Inquiry to search current inmates and inmate records from the past three years.

What is the best way to search by name?

Enter the last name and at least one letter of the first name. If the search returns too many results, add a more specific name or identifier.

What is the difference between a PID and a JID?

A PID identifies a person through fingerprint analysis and remains constant. A JID is assigned for a specific jail stay and changes with each booking.

How often is the inmate information updated?

The inmate inquiry runs in real time. Changes to an inmate record display online immediately after they are made.

Can I remove an arrest or inmate record from the online inquiry?

Information remains online for three years from the date of arrest or release. Early removal requires an Order of Expunction signed by a judge.

Where can I check recent arrest records?

Use the MCSO Arrest Inquiry for Mecklenburg County arrest records from the past three years.