Guilford Public Records /Guilford County Inmate Search

Guilford County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Guilford County?

Inmate records in Guilford County are official government documents maintained by the Guilford 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 of an individual from initial booking through release and are distinct from court records maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch.

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 153A-220, county detention facilities must maintain accurate records of all persons committed to their custody. These records begin at the booking and intake process, where initial demographic information, charges, and photographs are collected. Throughout an individual's incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical information, and court appearances.

Inmate records differ from court records in several important ways:

Court records focus on case proceedings, judgments, and legal documents
Inmate records focus on custody status, facility placement, and institutional behavior
Court records are maintained by the judicial system
Inmate records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office detention division

The Guilford County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of all inmate records for individuals held in county detention facilities. These records serve multiple purposes including ensuring proper identification, managing facility security, coordinating court appearances, and facilitating appropriate release procedures.

Are Inmate Records Public In Guilford County?

Inmate records in Guilford County are considered public records under the North Carolina Public Records Law § 132-1, which states that "public records and public information are the property of the people." However, access to specific components of inmate records may be restricted based on privacy concerns, security considerations, and other statutory exemptions.

The following inmate record information is typically available to the public:

Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking information including full name and age
Charges filed and associated case numbers
Mugshot photographs
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates (for sentenced inmates)
Current housing facility

Certain information within inmate records is exempt from public disclosure under North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1.4, which addresses criminal investigation records, and § 132-1.7, which covers sensitive public security information. Protected information may include:

Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary reports
Precise housing locations within facilities
Information that could compromise facility security
Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers

Members of the public seeking inmate information can access basic custody status through the Guilford County inmate search portal or by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly.

What's Included Inmate Records in Guilford County

Inmate records in Guilford County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the detention system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Assigned inmate identification number
Fingerprints and biometric data

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency and officer
Custody classification level
Current housing assignment
Previous incarceration history in Guilford County
Disciplinary incidents and actions taken
Participation in jail programs or work assignments

Charge Information:

Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Warrant or citation numbers
Arresting agency case numbers
Court case numbers
Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Charge severity and classification

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (secured, unsecured, cash)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, not posted, denied)
Bonding company information (if applicable)
Bond conditions (if specified by court)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior)
Scheduled court dates and times
Court appearance history
Court-ordered conditions

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction date
Sentence length and terms
Credit for time served
Projected release date
Post-release supervision requirements
Probation details (if applicable)

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
Release conditions
Destination upon release (if transferred)

These records are maintained in compliance with state regulations for detention facilities and are updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration.

Guilford County Prison System

The Guilford County correctional system operates under the authority of the Guilford County Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the custody and care of all individuals detained in county facilities. The system primarily consists of detention centers designed to house pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year as prescribed by North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-1352.

It is important to distinguish between county detention facilities and state prisons:

County detention facilities house individuals awaiting trial, serving misdemeanor sentences under one year, and temporarily holding individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities
State prisons, operated by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, house individuals convicted of felonies and serving sentences longer than one year

The Guilford County Sheriff's Office maintains multiple detention facilities to accommodate various custody classifications and security needs. These facilities operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are staffed by trained detention officers.

Guilford County Sheriff's Office
400 W. Washington Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-641-3694
Guilford County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office detention division is responsible for inmate intake, classification, housing, transportation, and release procedures. All detention facilities in Guilford County operate under standards established by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and are subject to regular inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Guilford County

Guilford County maintains multiple detention facilities to accommodate various security classifications and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's correctional system:

Greensboro Detention Center
201 S. Edgeworth Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-641-2700
Greensboro Detention Center

The Greensboro Detention Center is the primary detention facility in Guilford County. This multi-story facility houses both male and female inmates across various security classifications. The center includes:

Booking and intake processing areas
General population housing units
Special management units for inmates requiring separation
Medical and mental health services
Video visitation facilities
Court holding areas

High Point Detention Center
507 E. Green Drive
High Point, NC 27260
336-641-2680
High Point Detention Center

The High Point Detention Center is a smaller facility that primarily houses:

Pre-trial detainees with court cases in High Point
Minimum and medium security inmates
Work release program participants
Weekend commitment inmates

Both facilities maintain separate housing areas for:

Male and female inmates
Different security classifications (minimum, medium, maximum)
Special populations (medical, mental health, protective custody)
Disciplinary segregation

Guilford County does not operate juvenile detention facilities. Juveniles charged with criminal offenses are housed in state-operated juvenile detention centers administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety's Juvenile Justice division.

Who's in Prison In Guilford County

The Guilford County detention facilities house a diverse population of individuals who fall into several distinct categories based on their legal status and sentence length. The inmate population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
These individuals comprise approximately 60-70% of the jail population

Sentenced Misdemeanants:

Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses
Serving sentences of less than one year as specified in North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-1340.23
May include those convicted of driving while impaired (DWI), simple assault, shoplifting, and other minor offenses

Probation/Parole Violators:

Individuals who violated terms of their probation or parole
Serving short sanctions or awaiting revocation hearings
May be held temporarily pending transfer to state facilities

Temporary Holds:

Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison after felony conviction
Federal detainees awaiting transfer to federal facilities
Inmates from other counties temporarily housed due to space constraints

Weekend Commitments:

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 qualify to work in the community during the day
Return to the detention facility during non-working hours
Must meet strict eligibility requirements

The demographic composition of the Guilford County inmate population generally reflects broader criminal justice trends in North Carolina. The average daily population fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and seasonal factors. At any given time, the combined population of Guilford County detention facilities averages approximately 800-1,000 inmates.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Guilford County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Guilford County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems that allow for efficient searching of basic inmate data. To conduct a search for inmate records, interested parties may follow these steps:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the Guilford County Inmate Search Portal
No account creation is required for basic searches
Enter search criteria such as the inmate's first and last name
For more specific results, additional identifiers such as date of birth may be used
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Housing facility (Greensboro or High Point)

In-Person Record Requests:

Visit the Guilford County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- 400 W. Washington Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Complete a public records request form
Provide specific information about the inmate record being requested
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction

Written Record Requests:

Submit a written request to:
- Guilford County Sheriff's Office
- Records Division
- 400 W. Washington Street
- Greensboro, NC 27401
Include the following information:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific inmate name and identifying information
- Detailed description of records being requested
- Preferred method of receiving records (mail, email, pickup)
Allow 7-10 business days for processing

For more comprehensive criminal history information beyond current incarceration status, interested parties may need to contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation or review court records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch.

How To Find an Inmate in Guilford County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Guilford County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods provided by county and state agencies. These free resources are designed to provide basic custody information to family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties:

Guilford County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:

Access the Guilford County Inmate Search Portal
Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name)
Review results showing current inmates in custody
Information provided includes:
- Full name and age
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond amount
- Next court date (if available)
- Facility location

North Carolina Offender Search System:

Visit the NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Search
Enter the individual's name or identification number
This system includes county jail inmates, state prisoners, probationers, and parolees
Results provide custody status and location information

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Greensboro Detention Center: 336-641-2700
Contact the High Point Detention Center: 336-641-2680
Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
Basic custody information can be provided over the phone
Call during administrative hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday) for best results

Court System Resources:

Check the North Carolina Court System for case information
Search by name to find court dates and case status
Court records may indicate custody status and location

When searching for an inmate, having the following information available will improve search accuracy:

Full legal name (including middle name if known)
Date of birth or approximate age
Booking date (if known)
Case or warrant number (if available)

These free resources provide basic custody information only. For more detailed records or specialized information, additional formal requests may be required through the Sheriff's Office Records Division.

How To Visit an Inmate In Guilford County

Visitation with inmates housed in Guilford County detention facilities is conducted primarily through video visitation systems. The Sheriff's Office has established specific procedures to ensure orderly visitation while maintaining facility security. Persons wishing to visit an inmate must adhere to the following guidelines:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must register in the Guilford County Detention Center visitation system
Registration requires valid government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Each inmate is permitted two 20-minute video visits per week
Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
Cancellations must be made at least 4 hours before scheduled visit time

Visit Schedule:

Greensboro Detention Center: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
High Point Detention Center: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
No visits are conducted on Mondays and Tuesdays (reserved for attorney visits)
Holiday schedules may vary and are posted at facilities

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Confirmation of scheduled visit
Minors must have birth certificate or other proof of relationship

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches)
Recording devices or cameras
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Tobacco products or vaping devices

Dress Code:

Conservative, appropriate attire is required
No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times

Visit Types:

On-site video visitation (conducted at the detention facility)
Remote video visitation (conducted from home computer or compatible device)
- Remote visits require payment of a fee ($7.50 per 20-minute session)
- Technical requirements are listed on the visitation registration website

Visit Restrictions:

Inmates on disciplinary status may have restricted visitation privileges
Special management inmates may have modified visitation schedules
Visitors exhibiting signs of intoxication will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in termination of visit and possible suspension of future privileges

Professional visits from attorneys, clergy, and other official visitors follow separate protocols and should contact the facility directly to arrange appropriate accommodations.

How To Send Money to a Guilford County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Guilford County detention facilities have several secure methods available for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds can be used by inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and pay for other approved services.

Available Deposit Methods:

Online Deposits
- Visit the Guilford County Inmate Trust Fund portal
- Create an account or log in to existing account
- Enter inmate information (name and ID number)
- Select deposit amount
- Complete payment using credit/debit card
- Service fees apply (typically 5% of deposit amount)
Kiosk Deposits
- Available in the lobby of both detention facilities:
  - Greensboro Detention Center: 201 S. Edgeworth Street, Greensboro
  - High Point Detention Center: 507 E. Green Drive, High Point
- Touch screen operation with simple instructions
- Accept cash, credit, and debit cards
- Provide immediate receipt of transaction
- Lower service fees than online deposits (typically 3%)
Money Order by Mail
- Send money orders (no personal checks) to:
  - Guilford County Detention Center
  - Inmate Trust Fund
  - 201 S. Edgeworth Street
  - Greensboro, NC 27401
- Include inmate's full name and ID number on money order
- Include sender's full name and address
- No service fees for money orders
- Processing time: 3-5 business days

Deposit Limits and Regulations:

Minimum deposit amount: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit total: $500.00
Funds are typically available in inmate accounts within 24 hours of receipt (except mail deposits)
All deposits are subject to verification before being credited to inmate accounts

Prohibited Financial Activities:

Transfers between inmate accounts are not permitted
Third-party checks cannot be accepted
Cash sent through mail will be returned to sender
Deposits from individuals with active criminal cases are subject to review

Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls and video visitation fees
Medical co-pays for non-emergency services
Haircuts and other personal services
Release funds upon completion of sentence

Restricted Uses:

Funds cannot be used for bail or bond payments
Cannot be applied to court costs or fines while incarcerated
Cannot purchase items from outside vendors or websites

Upon release, any remaining balance in an inmate's account will be returned via debit card or check. Unclaimed funds are held according to North Carolina unclaimed property laws.

How To Send Jail Mail In Guilford County

Correspondence with inmates housed in Guilford County detention facilities is permitted but subject to specific guidelines established to maintain security and safety. All incoming and outgoing mail, except privileged legal correspondence, is subject to inspection and screening.

General Mail Guidelines:

Addressing Requirements
- All mail must be addressed as follows:
  - Inmate's Full Name and ID Number
  - Guilford County Detention Center
  - 201 S. Edgeworth Street
  - Greensboro, NC 27401
- Return address must include sender's full name and complete mailing address
- Mail without proper addressing will be returned to sender
Permitted Mail Items
- Letters on plain white, lined, or colored paper
- Greeting cards (no musical, oversized, or padded cards)
- Photographs (maximum 4" x 6", limit of 5 per envelope)
- Money orders (must be made out to the inmate)
- Self-addressed stamped envelopes for return correspondence
Prohibited Mail Items
- Cash, personal checks, or currency
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Plastic, metal, or other non-paper items
- Polaroid photographs or photos with adhesive backing
- Stickers, labels, or stamps (except postage on envelope)
- Crayon, marker, paint, glitter, or stained correspondence
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cards larger than 8" x 10"
- Pornographic or sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content or symbols
Mail Processing
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected
- Contraband items will be confiscated and may result in criminal charges
- Mail typically takes 2-3 business days to process after receipt
- Mail containing threats, criminal activity, or escape plans will be forwarded to investigators

Legal Mail Guidelines:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
Must come from an identifiable legal office or court
Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
Is not read by staff but is inspected for contraband

Publications and Books:

Books must be sent directly from publishers or approved vendors
Soft-cover books only (no hardcover books accepted)
Maximum of 3 books per mailing
Subject to review for inappropriate content
Religious texts are permitted subject to security review

E-Messages:

Available through the inmate messaging system
Requires account creation and prepayment
Messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
Faster delivery than traditional mail
Fees apply per message

All mail policies are subject to change based on security needs. Violation of mail rules may result in restrictions on an inmate's mail privileges or disciplinary action. Attempts to send contraband through mail may result in criminal charges against the sender.

Lookup Inmate Records in Guilford County

Guilford County Inmate Search Portal

Guilford County Detention Centers Information

North Carolina Offender Search System

Guilford County Sheriff's Office

Guilford County Court Information

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