Moore County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Moore County?
Inmate records in Moore County are official documents created and maintained by the Moore County Sheriff's Office and the Moore County Detention Center to document the custody status, personal history, and legal circumstances of individuals held in local correctional facilities. These records are distinct from court records: while the Moore County North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains case files, docket entries, and judicial orders, the detention facility maintains custody-specific documentation that tracks an individual from the moment of booking through release.
The record creation process begins at intake, when a person is booked into the facility. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record bond conditions, and photograph the individual. Records are updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical notes, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived in accordance with applicable retention schedules.
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1, a "public record" is defined broadly to include all documents made or received in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government. Custody records maintained by a county sheriff's office fall squarely within this definition, making them subject to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
Are Inmate Records Public In Moore County?
Inmate records in Moore County are generally public under North Carolina law. Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1, all public records are open to inspection by any person at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision. The Moore County Sheriff's Office is an agency of county government and is therefore obligated to make non-exempt custody records available upon request.
The following categories of information are currently accessible to members of the public:
- Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held in the Moore County Detention Center
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest and intake
- Charges filed — criminal charges associated with each booking
- Mugshots — photographs taken at the time of booking
- Bond and bail amounts — the financial conditions of release set by a magistrate or judge
- Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information where available
- Housing facility — the specific facility or unit in which an individual is housed
Certain information may be withheld where disclosure would interfere with an ongoing investigation or where a specific statutory exemption applies. Medical records and mental health information maintained within a detention facility are generally protected under separate provisions of state and federal law.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Moore County
Inmate records maintained by the Moore County Detention Center contain multiple categories of documentation compiled from the point of booking through final release.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Race, sex, height, and weight
- Identifying marks, tattoos, or scars
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency and arresting officer
- Facility housing assignment
- Classification level
- Disciplinary history within the facility
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
- Statute or ordinance allegedly violated
- Offense date and jurisdiction
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (secured, unsecured, or written promise)
- Bond amount set by the court or magistrate
- Current bond status
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Presiding court and case number
- Attorney of record, if applicable
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence imposed
- Credit for time served
- Projected release date based on sentence calculation
Release Information:
- Actual release date and time
- Reason for release (bond posted, sentence served, charges dismissed, transfer)
- Conditions of release or supervision, if applicable
Moore County Prison System
Moore County operates a local detention facility that serves as the primary point of pre-trial detention for individuals arrested within the county, as well as housing for persons serving misdemeanor sentences of up to one year. The county jail system is distinct from the North Carolina state prison system, which is administered by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and houses individuals convicted of felonies or sentenced to terms exceeding one year.
The Moore County Sheriff's Office holds administrative authority over the local detention facility. The Sheriff is responsible for the safe and lawful operation of the jail, the welfare of persons in custody, and compliance with state and federal standards governing local confinement facilities. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153A-217, the county sheriff is charged with the custody, care, and control of all persons confined in the county jail.
Moore County Sheriff's Office PO Box 905, 1 Courthouse Square, Carthage, NC 28327 (910) 947-2931 Moore County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Moore County
Moore County currently operates one primary detention facility responsible for housing all county inmates.
Moore County Detention Center The Moore County Detention Center is the sole local confinement facility operated under the authority of the Moore County Sheriff's Office. It houses pre-trial detainees awaiting arraignment, bail hearings, or trial, as well as individuals serving short-term sentences for misdemeanor convictions. The facility also holds individuals awaiting transfer to state correctional institutions following felony sentencing.
Moore County Detention Center PO Box 905, 1 Courthouse Square, Carthage, NC 28327 (910) 947-2931 Detention Center | Moore County, NC
Individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms of more than one year are transferred to facilities operated by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. The Department maintains a statewide network of prisons and provides an online offender search tool that includes county jail inmates, state prisoners, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders.
Who's in Prison In Moore County
The Moore County Detention Center houses several distinct populations of individuals at any given time.
- Pre-trial detainees — persons arrested and charged with a criminal offense who have not yet been convicted and are awaiting trial or a court hearing
- Bond-ineligible individuals — persons for whom a judge has ordered pre-trial detention without the option of bond
- Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses and serving sentences of up to one year in the county facility
- Individuals awaiting transfer — persons convicted of felony offenses who are awaiting designation and transfer to a North Carolina state prison
- Federal or inter-jurisdictional holds — individuals held on behalf of another jurisdiction, including federal detainers or out-of-county warrants
- Civil commitments — in limited circumstances, individuals held pursuant to civil court orders
Members of the public seeking to determine whether a specific individual is currently in custody may use the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction's criminal offender search tool, which aggregates data across county jails, state prisons, and supervision populations statewide.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Moore County in 2026
Members of the public may access inmate records through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods for conducting an inmate records search.
Online Search:
- Visit the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction's criminal offender search portal, which includes current county jail inmates.
- Enter the individual's first name, last name, or offender identification number.
- Review the results for custody status, facility location, and charge information.
In-Person Request:
- Visit the Moore County Detention Center during regular business hours.
- Submit a written public records request identifying the individual and the specific records sought.
- Staff will process the request in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6, which requires agencies to provide access to public records as promptly as possible.
By Telephone:
- Contact the Moore County Sheriff's Office at (910) 947-2931 during business hours.
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the individual being sought.
- Staff will confirm custody status and provide available public information.
Moore County Detention Center PO Box 905, 1 Courthouse Square, Carthage, NC 28327 (910) 947-2931 Moore County Detention Center Quick Links
How To Find an Inmate in Moore County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are available for locating an individual currently held in Moore County custody.
- North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Offender Search — The state's offender search database is available at no charge and includes county jail inmates across North Carolina, including those held at the Moore County Detention Center.
- Moore County Sheriff's Office — Members of the public may call (910) 947-2931 or visit the Sheriff's Office in person to request custody status information at no cost.
- Moore County Detention Center — Direct inquiries to the detention facility may be made by telephone or in person during staffed hours. The facility's inmate information resources include visitation schedules, phone information, and care package guidelines.
- North Carolina Courts Portal — The Moore County court location page provides access to court date searches by name, which may assist in identifying associated custody status.
No fee is required to conduct a basic custody status inquiry through any of the above official channels.
How To Visit an Inmate In Moore County
Visitation at the Moore County Detention Center is governed by facility rules established by the Sheriff's Office. All visits are subject to approval and may be suspended or restricted based on facility operations, disciplinary status, or security concerns.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be pre-approved and placed on the inmate's approved visitor list.
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required for all adult visitors.
- Visitors must comply with all instructions issued by detention staff.
Visit Schedule:
- Visitation schedules are subject to change at the discretion of facility administration. Members of the public should confirm current scheduling directly with the Moore County Detention Center prior to arrival.
What to Bring:
- Valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons, controlled substances, or alcohol
- Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure visitation area
- Unauthorized items intended for delivery to an inmate
Dress Code:
- Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms or law enforcement attire is prohibited. Revealing or offensive clothing may result in denial of entry.
Visit Types:
- The facility may offer in-person contact visits, non-contact visits through a partition, or video visitation, depending on the inmate's classification and facility capacity.
Visit Restrictions:
- Individuals with active warrants, persons on probation or parole, and individuals with certain criminal histories may be denied visitation privileges.
- Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also on the approved visitor list.
How To Send Money to a Moore County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account to allow the purchase of commissary items, telephone time, and other approved goods and services.
Accepted Methods:
- Deposits may be made through approved third-party services designated by the Moore County Detention Center. Members of the public should confirm currently accepted platforms directly with the facility.
- In-person deposits may be available at the facility lobby using approved kiosks or cashier services.
Amount Limits:
- Specific deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply. The facility establishes these limits and may adjust them at any time.
Fees:
- Third-party deposit services typically charge a transaction fee. The fee amount varies by provider and deposit method.
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted.
- Personal checks, money orders made out to the inmate directly, or gift cards are generally not accepted.
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For:
- Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and approved personal hygiene items.
- Trust account funds may not be used to pay fines, court costs, or restitution unless specifically authorized by a court order.
How To Send Jail Mail In Moore County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates held at the Moore County Detention Center by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service.
Mailing Address: All mail should be addressed to the inmate using the following format:
Inmate Full Name, ID Number (if known) Moore County Detention Center PO Box 905 Carthage, NC 28327
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All incoming mail is subject to inspection by detention staff for contraband and security purposes.
- Letters must be written on plain white paper and sent in standard white envelopes. Colored paper, stickers, glitter, or decorative envelopes may be rejected.
- Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; polaroid or instant-print photographs are typically prohibited.
- Books, magazines, and publications must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved retailer; items sent from personal addresses are generally not accepted.
- No cash, checks, gift cards, or other items of monetary value may be enclosed in mail.
- Mail containing threatening, obscene, or otherwise prohibited content will be rejected and may be reported to law enforcement.
- Return address information must be included on all outgoing mail; anonymous correspondence is not accepted.
Facility mail policies are subject to revision. Members of the public should review current guidelines through the Moore County Detention Center's inmate resources page prior to sending correspondence.