Beaufort County Public Records /Beaufort County Inmate Search

Beaufort County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Beaufort County?

Inmate records in Beaufort County are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies to document the custody status, personal history, and legal circumstances of individuals held in local detention. These records are distinct from court records: while the judiciary maintains case files, dockets, and judicial orders, the detention facility and sheriff's office maintain custody records that track an individual's physical presence within the correctional system.

The record creation process begins at booking and intake, at which point facility staff collect identifying information, document charges, and assign a booking number. Records are updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived, though it remains subject to public records laws. Under § 132-1 of the North Carolina General Statutes, public records are defined broadly to include all documents made or received in connection with the transaction of public business, which encompasses inmate custody records maintained by county detention facilities.

Beaufort County Detention Center 36 Brickyard Road, Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 255-5400 Beaufort County Detention Center

Are Inmate Records Public In Beaufort County?

Inmate records maintained by Beaufort County correctional facilities are generally accessible to members of the public under applicable state public records law. In North Carolina, § 132-6 of the General Statutes requires that public agencies make records available for inspection and examination during regular business hours. In South Carolina, the Freedom of Information Act codified at § 30-4-30 similarly mandates that public bodies provide access to records upon request within a specified timeframe.

The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to the public:

Current inmate roster and booking records
Arrest date, time, and arresting agency
Charges filed against the individual
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Bond and bail amounts set by the court
Expected release dates or release status
Name of the housing facility where the individual is held

Certain information, including medical records, mental health evaluations, and information pertaining to juvenile detainees, is exempt from public disclosure under both state statutes and federal privacy protections.

What's Included In Inmate Records in Beaufort County

Inmate records maintained by Beaufort County detention facilities contain a comprehensive set of data fields organized by category. Members of the public may inspect the following information, subject to applicable exemptions:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth and age
Race, sex, height, and weight
Physical descriptors and identifying marks

Custody Information:

Booking number and booking date
Arresting agency and arresting officer
Current housing unit and facility assignment
Custody classification level

Charge Information:

Specific criminal charges and applicable statutes
Charge severity (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
Case or docket number associated with each charge

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, or personal recognizance)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond status (posted, pending, or denied)

Court Information:

Scheduled court appearance dates
Presiding court and jurisdiction
Case status and next hearing type

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Length of sentence imposed
Sentence start date and projected end date
Any sentence modifications or credits applied

Release Information:

Actual or projected release date
Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, or other)
Conditions of release, if applicable

Beaufort County Prison System

Beaufort County operates a local detention system designed to house individuals awaiting trial, those serving short-term sentences, and individuals held on civil or immigration detainers. The county jail is the primary facility for pre-trial detention and for individuals sentenced to terms typically not exceeding one year. Individuals convicted of felonies carrying longer sentences are transferred to state correctional institutions operated by the relevant state department of corrections, rather than remaining in county custody.

The distinction between a county jail and a state prison is significant for records access purposes: county jail records are maintained locally by the sheriff's office or detention center administration, while state prison records are held by the state department of corrections. Members of the public seeking information about individuals serving state sentences in North Carolina may use the criminal offender search tool maintained by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

Beaufort County Sheriff's Office 2001 Duke Street, Beaufort, NC 27810 (252) 946-7111 Beaufort County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Beaufort County

Beaufort County currently operates the following correctional and detention facilities:

Beaufort County Detention Center (South Carolina) 36 Brickyard Road, Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 255-5400 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Beaufort County Detention Center

This facility serves as the primary detention center for Beaufort County, South Carolina, housing pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanants, and individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions. The facility is administered by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and maintains an online inmate inquiry system that allows members of the public to search for currently held individuals.

Beaufort County Jail (North Carolina) 215 Courthouse Square, Washington, NC 27889 (252) 946-7111 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Beaufort County NC Sheriff's Office

This facility serves the North Carolina jurisdiction of Beaufort County and is operated under the authority of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. Court-related records for individuals processed through this jurisdiction may be accessed through the Beaufort County North Carolina Judicial Branch location page.

Who's in Prison In Beaufort County

The Beaufort County detention system houses several distinct categories of individuals at any given time. Understanding who is held in county custody assists members of the public in directing records requests to the appropriate agency.

Pre-trial detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted; they are held because they are unable to post bond or have been denied bail
Sentenced misdemeanants: Individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses and are serving sentences of one year or less within the county facility
Probation and parole violators: Individuals held pending a hearing on alleged violations of supervision conditions
Federal and immigration detainees: Individuals held under agreements with federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Interstate detainees: Individuals awaiting extradition to another state or jurisdiction
Civil detainees: Individuals held pursuant to civil court orders in limited circumstances

Individuals convicted of felony offenses carrying sentences exceeding one year are generally transferred to state prison facilities and are no longer reflected in county jail rosters.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Beaufort County in 2026

Members of the public may access inmate records through several official channels, depending on the jurisdiction and the type of information sought. The following steps outline the primary methods currently available:

Online Search:

Visit the official inmate inquiry system maintained by the Beaufort County Detention Center (SC) to search for individuals currently in custody.
Enter the individual's first name, last name, or booking number into the search fields provided.
Review the results, which display current custody status, charges, and bond information.

In-Person Request:

Visit the detention center or sheriff's office during public counter hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).
Present a valid government-issued photo identification.
Submit a written public records request specifying the individual's full name and approximate date of birth.
Pay any applicable copying or search fees as established by the facility.

Court Records Search:

Access the North Carolina court system's portal for case-level information by submitting a public record request through the North Carolina Judicial Branch.
Use the online search portal to locate criminal, civil, or special proceeding case files by name, citation number, or county.

Written Request:

Address a written request to the Records Division of the applicable sheriff's office or detention center.
Include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought.
Specify whether copies or in-person inspection is requested.

How To Find an Inmate in Beaufort County for Free?

Several no-cost methods are currently available for locating an individual held in Beaufort County custody.

Online inmate search portal: The Beaufort County Detention Center (SC) provides a free inmate inquiry system accessible to any member of the public without registration or fees.
North Carolina offender search: The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction maintains a free criminal offender search tool for individuals held in state prison facilities or under state supervision.
VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday): The Beaufort County Detention Center participates in the VINE notification system, which allows members of the public to register for automated alerts regarding an inmate's custody status at no charge.
In-person inquiry: Members of the public may visit the detention center or sheriff's office during business hours and request verbal confirmation of an individual's custody status at no cost.
Court records portal: The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides online access to court calendars and case information that may reflect an individual's custody status in connection with pending proceedings.

How To Visit an Inmate In Beaufort County

Visitation at Beaufort County detention facilities is governed by facility rules established by the detention center administration and applicable state regulations. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all posted requirements.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of check-in.
Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which is established by the inmate upon intake or updated through a formal request process.
Visitors are subject to search upon entry, including electronic screening.

Visit Schedule:

Visitation schedules vary by housing unit and are subject to change based on facility operations; members of the public should contact the detention center directly at (843) 255-5400 to confirm current visiting hours before traveling to the facility.

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia
Cell phones or electronic recording devices (policies vary; confirm with facility)
Food, beverages, or packages not authorized through official channels
Excessive cash or valuables

Dress Code:

Visitors must dress in a manner consistent with facility standards; clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or displays gang-affiliated insignia is prohibited.

Visit Types:

In-person contact visits: Available to approved visitors in designated visitation areas
Non-contact visits: Conducted through a partition with telephone communication
Video visitation: Some facilities offer scheduled video visits; availability should be confirmed with the facility

Visit Restrictions:

Individuals with active warrants, pending criminal charges related to the facility, or who are on a restricted list may be denied visitation.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must also appear on the approved visitation list.

How To Send Money to a Beaufort County Inmate

Funds may be deposited into an inmate's commissary account through methods authorized by the Beaufort County Detention Center. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items such as hygiene products, writing materials, and supplemental food items from the facility commissary.

Accepted Methods:

Online deposits: Members of the public may deposit funds through the facility's authorized third-party payment provider; the specific platform in use should be confirmed by contacting the detention center at (843) 255-5400.
Kiosk deposits: Lobby kiosks at the facility may accept cash or card deposits during business hours.
Money order by mail: Money orders made payable to the inmate (including full legal name and booking number) may be mailed to the facility's designated address.

Amount Limits:

Deposit limits per transaction and per week are established by facility policy and are subject to change; members of the public should verify current limits directly with the detention center.

Fees:

Third-party payment processors typically charge a transaction fee; the amount varies by provider and payment method.

What You Cannot Send:

Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted and will be returned or confiscated.
Personal checks are generally not accepted.

What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For:

Funds may be used for commissary purchases, approved telephone calls, and certain facility services.
Funds may not be used to pay fines, court costs, or restitution directly through the commissary account unless specifically authorized by court order.

How To Send Jail Mail In Beaufort County

Correspondence sent to inmates at Beaufort County detention facilities is subject to inspection and must comply with facility mail policies. All incoming mail is reviewed by facility staff prior to delivery to the inmate.

Accepted Mail Methods:

Standard first-class mail sent through the United States Postal Service is the primary accepted method for personal correspondence.
All envelopes must include the sender's full return address; anonymous mail will not be delivered.
Mail must be addressed to the inmate's full legal name and booking number at the facility's mailing address.

Mailing Address: Beaufort County Detention Center Inmate Name / Booking Number 36 Brickyard Road Beaufort, SC 29902

Rules for Sending Mail:

Letters must be written on plain white paper; cards with glitter, stickers, or embedded materials are typically prohibited.
Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; Polaroid or instant-print photographs are generally not accepted.
Publications such as books and magazines must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer; items sent from personal addresses may be rejected.
Mail containing threats, coded language, or contraband will be confiscated and may result in disciplinary action or criminal referral.
Legal mail from licensed attorneys is treated as privileged correspondence and is subject to separate handling procedures under applicable law.