Forsyth County Detention Center

Forsyth County Detention Center Information

The Forsyth County Detention Center is a 1016 bed jail in the city of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 336-917-7600, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

Phone: 336-917-7600

Physical Address:
201 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Forsyth County Detention Center
201 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Forsyth County Detention Center
201 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Forsyth County Detention Center?

To search for an inmate in the Forsyth County Detention Center, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 336-917-7600 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's Criminal Court Case information online, including the daily court dockets for Forsyth County.

Forsyth County Detention Center Inmate Search

The Forsyth County Detention Center maintains an average of 1016 offenders in custody on any given day. The Forsyth County Detention Center has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Forsyth County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 20,320 offenders.

The following charts of Forsyth County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Forsyth County Corrections Department, the state of North Carolina Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Forsyth County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Forsyth County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

For a collection of over 20 additional graphs and charts of the demographic and criminal arrest information of the inmates in Forsyth County and North Carolina state prisons, click the button below.
Forsyth County INMATE DEMOGRAPHICS

Forsyth County Inmate Race & Ethnicity - 3/28/2024

Race Inmates % Total
White 232 29.11%
Black 394 49.44%
Hispanic or Latino 159 19.95%
American Indian/Native Alaskan 0 0.00%
Asian 12 1.51%
Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian 0 0.00%
Other 0 0.00%
Total 797 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department, North Carolina Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Forsyth County Inmate Criminal Charges - 3/28/2024

(many inmates have multiple charges)

Charge Inmates % Total
Felony (3rd Degree) 265 33.25%
Felony (2rd Degree) 139 17.44%
Felony (1st Degree) 0 0.00%
State Jail Felony 66 8.28%
Felony (Uncategorized) 96 12.05%
Misdemeanor (Class A) 231 28.98%
Misdemeanor (Class C) 0 0.00%
Holds 0 0.00%
Uncategorized 0 0.00%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department, North Carolina Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Forsyth County Inmate Sex - 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 715 89.71%
Female 82 10.29%
Total 797 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department, North Carolina Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Forsyth County Inmate Age - 3/28/2024

Age Inmates % Total
Under 18 6 0.75%
18-20 48 6.02%
21-24 79 9.91%
25-30 145 18.19%
31-35 147 18.44%
36-40 152 19.07%
41-45 104 13.05%
46-50 40 5.02%
51-55 32 4.02%
56-60 26 3.26%
61-65 10 1.25%
66-75 8 1.00%
76-85 0 0.00%
Total 797 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department, North Carolina Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.
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About the Forsyth County Detention Center

INTERESTING FACTS about the Forsyth County Jail. An adult maximum security 400,000 square feet detention facility housing male and female sentenced misdemeanant and pre¬trial inmates. The facility is an eleven story twin tower structure containing 735 modular steel cells, and has a bed capacity of 1,016 inmates. Public Visitation Hours based on cell block. This  jail is one of seven county detention centers statewide that recently added vending machines stocked with a product that saves lives by blocking and reversing effects of an opioid overdose. The machines dispense naloxone administration kits, free to all. Each kit is a small box with two nasal spray devices that administer naloxone, which can restore normal breathing within two to three minutes if it slowed or stopped due to an opioid overdose. The National Center for State Courts funded naloxone vending machines placed in the Wilkes, Forsyth, Buncombe, Guilford, Cumberland, Orange and Pitt county jails and in county jails in other states as part of the Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative.

 

INMATE SEARCH

VISIT YOUR LOVED ONE  

Providing emotional support for someone who is incarcerated at the Forsyth County Jail is critical to their well-being. Even short visits via remote visitation can be critical for them in getting through the ordeal of being incarcerated. They may have medical needs to inform you of, or they may have complaints about the way they are being treated by the Forsyth County Detention Center staff.

Remote Visitation, in the comfort of your own home is available for most facilities. Visitation hours may be dependent upon the sex of the person and, also dependent upon the section of the facility in which they are housed.

 In 2020, COVID stopped in person visitation in all facilities, but some have reinstated in person visitation. Call 336-917-7600 to check the current status of in person visitation in.

See information below for how to register for an account for remote video visitation.

You must submit a picture and government photo ID for facility approval prior to visiting someone in our facility.

If you are doing in person visitation, visitors are subject to search. Dress appropriately. If too much skin is showing, you may be refused visitation rights.

Visitation Center Hours: See in section below.

COMMISSARY

Help your friend or loved one get through this difficult time by adding funds for them to get items in the commissary. Note: You must have the inmate's ID number in order to add money to an account in the kiosk of the lobby. They are responsible for purchasing their own items. CASH ONLY in the lobby! Posts immediately for use. See other ways to deposit commissary below. Cash is available immediately but money orders may take longer to post.

Deposit money online with a debit or credit card by registering with an account. See details below in the Commissary section.

PHONE CALLS AND TABLETS

Money to friends and loved ones may also be used for them to have time for phone calls or time on a tablet for entertainment or educational purposes to better themselves during this time. Also, it may be used for sending texts or emails. See the sections below for details.

MAIL

Please include the inmates name, ID number, dorm number and cell or bed number if possible, when sending mail. 

Inmates do NOT have the right to send mail to one another!

DO NOT SEND lewd photos. All mail will be inspected by authorities and contraband seized.

Books or magazines may be sent if only from a publisher such as direct mailed from Amazon.

See section below for more details on sending mail.

 

 

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Forsyth County Detention Center?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Forsyth County Detention Center, call the jail’s booking line at 336-917-7600.

There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.

Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.

If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.

Forsyth County Detention Center Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Forsyth County?

After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Forsyth County for booking.

Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.

What is the booking process like at the Forsyth County Detention Center?

Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Forsyth County and other North Carolina and USA jurisdictions.

If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.

It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.

What happens to an offender’s personal property during booking?

During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.

Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.

What happens after booking?

At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.

If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Forsyth County Detention Center will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.

Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

How long does the Forsyth County Detention Center Booking process take?

Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.

If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.

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Directions / Map to the Forsyth County Detention Center
Inmate Bail and Bonding

The Forsyth County Sheriff recommends that you use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Forsyth County.

  • You can pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Forsyth County, or in some cases the state of North Carolina, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Forsyth County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
  • The typical fee for a bond will be between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15%.  So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1500.00.

Call 336-917-7600 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Forsyth County inmate locator.

Forsyth County Bail Bond Information

Because Forsyth County and North Carolina can change their bail bond procedures, it is always best to call either the Forsyth County Detention Center at 336-917-7600, or the court in the jurisdiction (i.e. Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the offender was charged, and do this right after an arrestee has been booked. 

Ask the staff at the Forsyth County Detention Center or the Forsyth County Court Clerk these specific questions:

  1. Is the defendant eligible for bail or a bond?
  2. How much will the bail or bond be, and what are the additional fees?
  3. Where do I go to pay it?
  4. Are there any days or times of the day or night when I cannot post bail?
  5. What types of payment are allowed? Cash? Money order? Credit card? What types of credit cards? Property or other collateral? Surety bonds?
  6. Do I have to use a bail or bond agent?

If you feel the bail is too high and you wish to get it reduced, contact a lawyer or the defendant's public defender and get them to look into what they can do to get a bail reduction. The sooner you get working on this the quicker you will get your loved one released. 

This entire process will go smoother and faster with a criminal attorney or bail agent handling it for you.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Forsyth County Detention Center? What is the Schedule?

Forsyth County Detention Center Inmate Visitation Schedule

201 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-917-7600

INMATE HOUSING DAYS TIMES
2A SUN
TUE
THU
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
2B SUN
TUE
THU
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
2C SUN, MON
TUE, WED
THU, SAT
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
2D SUN, MON
TUE, WED
THU, SAT
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
4A SUN
TUE
THU
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
4B MON
WED
SAT
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
4C SUN
TUE
THU
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
4D MON
WED
SAT
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
6A SUN
TUE
​​​​​​​THU
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
6B MON
WED
​​​​​​​SAT
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
6C SUN
TUE
​​​​​​​THU
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
6D MON
WED
​​​​​​​SAT
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
8A SUN
TUE
​​​​​​​THU
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
8B MON
WED
​​​​​​​SAT
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
8C MON 9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
8D TUE 9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
8E THU 9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
8F SUN
SAT
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
10A SUN
TUE
​​​​​​​THU
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
10B MON
WED
​​​​​​​SAT
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
10C SUN
TUE
​​​​​​​THU
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm
10D MON
WED
​​​​​​​SAT
9:00 - 11:30 am
1:00 - 3:00 pm
5:30 - 7:30 pm

ATTORNEY VISITATION

  • Anytime (7 days a week)
    8:00 am - 8:00 pm


CLERGY VISITATION

Eligibility and Approval
Three (3) of the four (4) elements of proof are required:

  • Written documentation of a ministry license
  • Written documentation of ordination
  • Written documentation of a church ministry staff position
  • Written documentation of representing a church/religious order

Additional Information
Ministers seeking further clarification about this privilege can contact:
Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministries
307 Craft Drive
Winston Salem, NC 27105
(336) 759-0063

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Forsyth County Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 336-917-7600 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Forsyth County Detention Center?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Forsyth County Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 336-917-7600 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Forsyth County Detention Center?

There are multiple ways to add money to an inmate's account at Forsyth County Detention Center, using Access Corrections Secure Deposits

1. Online - Making a deposit using a verified Visa or Mastercard online, or using their Apple or Android App.
2. By phone - Dial 866.345.1884 to reach their 24/7 Access Corrections domestic call centers.
3. Jail Lobby Kiosk - Kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
4. Mail-in Lockbox - Friends or Family who do not have a credit or debit card can mail money orders to their secure lockbox to make deposits to an inmate’s account. Depositors use a customized form that captures all needed information. Upon receipt, they process and post the deposits to the inmate's trust fund in approximately 48 hours.

Money orders may be mailed to inmates at:
Access Corrections
P.O. Box 12486
St. Louis, MO 63132

Money orders must be made out to "Access Secure Deposits".
Include the state, city, inmate name and ID number on all money orders.

5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Go to any Cash Pay Today location to deposit cash to your inmate's account.

Secure Deposits - Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Deposits - Video Tutorial on How it Works
Secure Deposits - Help Pages

Customer Service Contacts:
Phone: 866-345-1884
Email[email protected]
Online Chat - Look for 'bubble' on bottom right of the page linked here.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Forsyth County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Forsyth County Detention Center follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select North Carolina, then select Forsyth County Detention Center, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Forsyth County Detention Center.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Forsyth County Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 336-917-7600 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Forsyth County Detention Center?

How Do Inmates in Forsyth County Detention Center Make Phone Calls?

To receive phone calls from inmates in Forsyth County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:

For all the information regarding phone calls with Forsyth County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, costs, limits, tablet rental and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Forsyth County Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 336-917-7600 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Forsyth County Detention Center, and what can I send them?

Forsyth County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Forsyth County Detention Center allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Forsyth County Detention Center also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Forsyth County Detention Center
201 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Forsyth County Detention Center
201 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101



Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Forsyth County Detention Center allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Forsyth County Detention Center standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Forsyth County Detention Center
201 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Forsyth County Detention Center Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Forsyth County Detention Center there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.

All mail is to be shipped to the Forsyth County Detention Center:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Forsyth County Detention Center
201 North Church Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101


For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Forsyth County Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 336-917-7600 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Forsyth County Detention Center, and what can I purchase?

Forsyth County Detention Center contracts with Access Securepak (aka MyCarePak) for families to send pre-determined packages of commissary items to your inmate.

Access Securepak carries over 1,000 different items in the following categories:
- Food and Snacks
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Electronics
- Apparel

Registration Process:
1. Register here.
2. Select North Carolina.
3. Select Forsyth County Detention Center.
4. Find your Inmate.
5. Deposit Funds.
6. Order Commissary Items.
Once you are logged in, you will receive instructions on how much (and what products) you can send your inmate.
Contact Information:
* If you have any questions, you can call Access Securepak at 800-546-6283.
* You can email My Care Pack at [email protected].
* You can write them at:
    Access Securepak
    10880 Linpage Place
    St. Louis, MO 63132

* You can Live Chat with a Representative online: (bottom left corner of page)
   Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m. CST, 
   and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. CST.

*Note* Access Securepak will issue a refund for or replace broken, damaged, or missing products reported by Forsyth County Detention Center staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends.
My CarePack is the Forsyth County Detention Center's outside vendor for Commissary Items. They have a very good mix of Chips, Snacks, Candy, Meat, Seafood, Hygiene products, Letter writing materials, Electronics and Apparel items for sale on their website.


*NOTE* -- Once you are fully registered and have selected the inmate you wish to send commissary to, you will receive instructions on how much you can deposit, how much (and what) you can purchase for your inmate, and how often you can send commissary.

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Forsyth County

To send commissary money to an inmate in Forsyth County Detention Center follow these steps:

  • Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
  • Select North Carolina, then select Forsyth County Detention Center, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Forsyth County Detention Center.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Forsyth County Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 336-917-7600 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Forsyth County Detention Center using an Online Messaging Service?

inteleMESSAGE by Pay Tel is a service in which Forsyth County inmates can use tablets to send messages to any friend or family member that has set up an on-line prepaid or direct bill account with Pay Tel. 

How inteleMESSAGE Works

  1. The Forsyth County Detention Center inmate must contact you first in order to activate messaging for your account.
  2. Once an inmate has messaged you, you are then able to visit the Pay Tel website, log in, read and respond to his or her messages. 
  3. When you log in and follow the inteleMESSAGE™ link, you will be asked if you want to accept messages from your Forsyth County inmate. If you accept, you will then be able to read any inmate message that has been sent to you.
  4. An on-line prepaid or direct bill account is required to use messaging. 
  5. You must visit the Pay Tel website, login to your account, and follow the inteleMESSAGE™ link in order to send or check for messages. You will not be notified of messages by any other method.
  6. All messages are subject to monitoring and review and should never be used for privileged attorney-inmate communications.
  7. If a message is rejected for any reason, the sender’s account will be automatically credited for the cost of the message.
  8. Free messages which are rejected will not be refunded or restored.

Cost to send messages

  1. The sender of the message is charged $.50 per message. Rates are subject to change.
  2. For friends and family outside of a facility, this amount is deducted from the prepaid account balance or charged to your direct bill account.
  3. For inmates, the amount is charged to the inmate and deducted from the inmate’s debit account.
  4. There is no charge to read a message that was sent to you.

Paytel App Download

Check to see if Tablets are Available in Forsyth County Detention Center for rent to your inmate. Tablets can be used for phone calls, messaging, education, and entertainment.

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Forsyth County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Forsyth County Detention Center follow these steps:

How inteleMESSAGE Works

  • The Forsyth County Detention Center inmate must contact you first in order to activate messaging for your account.
  • Once an inmate has messaged you, you are then able to visit the Pay Tel website, log in, read and respond to his or her messages. 
  • When you log in and follow the inteleMESSAGE™ link, you will be asked if you want to accept messages from your Forsyth County inmate. If you accept, you will then be able to read any inmate message that has been sent to you.

For all information on rates, and how to Text/Email an Inmate in Forsyth County Detention Center check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Forsyth County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Forsyth County Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 336-917-7600 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Forsyth County Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Paytel Tablets can be rented by inmates housed in the Forsyth County Detention Center for a small monthly fee.  


Tablets can be used by inmates, for the following things:

  • Phone Calls
  • Messages (email / texts)
  • Educational applications
  • Entertainment (movies, games, television, music)
  • Forsyth County Detention Center information (rules, guidelines, visitation schedules, etc.)
  • Legal research
  • Medical requests
  • Programs (anger management, drug recovery, job skills, parenting, etc.)

Contact Paytel online, or call the Forsyth County Detention Center directly at 336-917-7600 to rent a tablet for your inmate.


If you want download the Paytel App, click the image below:

Tablets Rentals Offer Great Solutions for Inmates at the Forsyth County Detention Center

How can you rent a tablet for an inmate in Forsyth County? Read the following:


Tablets can be used by inmates, for the following things:

  • Phone Calls
  • Messages (email / texts)
  • Educational applications and Entertainment
  • Legal Research
  • and much more!

Contact Paytel online, or call the Forsyth County Detention Center directly at 336-917-7600 to rent a tablet for your inmate.

To find out everything you need to know about renting a tablet, what it can be used for, how much it costs, and more, check out our Tablet Page for Forsyth County Detention Center.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Forsyth County Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 336-917-7600 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Forsyth County Detention Center? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Forsyth County?

Forsyth Davie Yadkin Surry Stokes Davidson Rockingham Guilford
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US State Prison Population Demographics

Total Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 973,343 93.26%
Female 70,362 6.74%
Total 1,043,705 100.0%

Total Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 327,300 35.27%
Black 345,500 37.23%
Hispanic 226,800 24.44%
American Indian / Alaska Native 15,900 1.71%
Asian 12,500 1.35%
Total 928,000 100.0%

Total of Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 622,200 95.46%
Female 31,700 4.86%
Total 653,900 100.0%

Total of Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 178,600 29.23%
Black 234,500 38.38%
Hispanic 179,500 29.38%
American Indian / Alaska Native 9,600 1.57%
Asian 8,800 1.44%
Total 611,000 100.0%

Murderers Held in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 147,500 93.95%
Female 10,000 6.37%
Total 157,500 100.0%

Murderers Held in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 37,600 26.04%
Black 63,000 43.63%
Hispanic 39,100 27.08%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,300 1.59%
Asian 2,400 1.66%
Total 144,400 100.0%

Violent Negligent Manslaughter Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 16,000 86.02%
Female 2,600 13.98%
Total 18,600 100.0%

Violent Negligent Manslaughter Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 5,400 43.90%
Black 3,600 29.27%
Hispanic 2,900 23.58%
American Indian / Alaska Native 200 1.63%
Asian 200 1.63%
Total 12,300 100.0%

Violent Rape & Sexual Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 159,800 98.95%
Female 2,200 1.36%
Total 162,000 100.0%

Violent Robbery Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 125,800 96.18%
Female 5,400 4.13%
Total 131,200 100.0%

Violent Robbery Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 21,900 18.64%
Black 66,800 56.85%
Hispanic 26,500 22.55%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,200 1.02%
Asian 1,100 0.94%
Total 117,500 100.0%

Violent Aggravated/Simple Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 137,000 94.74%
Female 8,100 5.60%
Total 145,100 100.0%

Violent Aggravated/Simple Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 37,500 23.28%
Black 53,300 33.09%
Hispanic 65,300 40.53%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,800 1.74%
Asian 2,200 1.37%
Total 161,100 100.0%

Other Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 36,100 91.86%
Female 3,300 8.40%
Total 39,400 100.0%

Other Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

race Inmates % Total
White 12,200 32.45%
Black 14,200 37.77%
Hispanic 9,700 25.80%
American Indian / Alaska Native 800 2.13%
Asian 700 1.86%
Total 37,600 100.0%

Total of Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 127,900 90.64%
Female 13,600 9.64%
Total 141,500 100.0%

Total of Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 60,500 50.46%
Black 37,800 31.53%
Hispanic 18,100 15.10%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,100 1.75%
Asian 1,400 1.17%
Total 119,900 100.0%

Burglary Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 75,900 95.11%
Female 4,200 5.26%
Total 80,100 100.0%

Burglary Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 30,500 44.40%
Black 24,200 35.23%
Hispanic 12,300 17.90%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,100 1.60%
Asian 600 0.87%
Total 68,700 100.0%

Larceny & Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 22,300 84.47%
Female 4,200 15.91%
Total 26,500 100.0%

Larceny & Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 13,800 58.97%
Black 6,800 29.06%
Hispanic 2,200 9.40%
American Indian / Alaska Native 300 1.28%
Asian 300 1.28%
Total 23,400 100.0%

Motor Vehicle Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 6,400 91.43%
Female 600 8.57%
Total 7,000 100.0%

Motor Vehicle Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 2,500 48.08%
Black 1,500 28.85%
Hispanic 1,000 19.23%
American Indian / Alaska Native 100 1.92%
Asian 100 1.92%
Total 5,200 100.0%

Fraud Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 9,800 75.97%
Female 3,200 24.81%
Total 13,000 100.0%

Fraud Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 6,900 63.30%
Black 2,600 23.85%
Hispanic 900 8.26%
American Indian / Alaska Native 300 2.75%
Asian 200 1.83%
Total 10,900 100.0%

Other Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 13,600 90.67%
Female 1,400 9.33%
Total 15,000 100.0%

Other Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

race Inmates % Total
White 6,700 58.26%
Black 2,700 23.48%
Hispanic 1,700 14.78%
American Indian / Alaska Native 200 1.74%
Asian 200 1.74%
Total 11,500 100.0%

Total of Drug Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 114,600 87.08%
Female 17,400 13.22%
Total 132,000 100.0%

Total of Drug Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 49,500 47.50%
Black 37,300 35.80%
Hispanic 14,600 14.01%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,700 1.63%
Asian 1,100 1.06%
Total 104,200 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Possession in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 28,500 84.57%
Female 5,300 15.73%
Total 33,800 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 14,800 56.27%
Black 7,900 30.04%
Hispanic 3,000 11.41%
American Indian / Alaska Native 400 1.52%
Asian 200 0.76%
Total 26,300 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Dealing/Manufacturing in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 86,100 88.04%
Female 12,000 12.27%
Total 98,100 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Dealing/Manufacturing in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 34,700 44.54%
Black 29,400 37.74%
Hispanic 11,600 14.89%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,300 1.67%
Asian 900 1.16%
Total 77,900 100.0%

Total of 'Public Order' Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 102,500 93.95%
Female 6,900 6.32%
Total 109,400 100.0%

Total of 'Public Order' Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 35,900 40.84%
Black 34,500 39.25%
Hispanic 13,800 15.70%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,500 2.84%
Asian 1,200 1.37%
Total 87,900 100.0%

Inmates Convicted on Illegal Weapon Possession in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 37,800 97.93%
Female 900 2.33%
Total 38,700 100.0%

Inmates Convicted on Illegal Weapon Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 7,200 22.86%
Black 16,900 53.65%
Hispanic 6,500 20.63%
American Indian / Alaska Native 500 1.59%
Asian 400 1.27%
Total 31,500 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 13,400 89.33%
Female 1,600 10.67%
Total 15,000 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 6,800 59.65%
Black 2,000 17.54%
Hispanic 1,800 15.79%
American Indian / Alaska Native 700 6.14%
Asian 100 0.88%
Total 11,400 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Other 'Public Order' Felonies in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 51,200 92.25%
Female 4,400 7.93%
Total 55,600 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Other 'Public Order' Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 21,900 48.45%
Black 15,700 34.73%
Hispanic 5,600 12.39%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,300 2.88%
Asian 700 1.55%
Total 45,200 100.0%

Total Number of Inmates Convicted of Unspecified Felonies in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 6,100 89.71%
Female 800 11.76%
Total 6,900 100.0%

Total Number of Inmates Convicted of Unspecified Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 2,700 52.94%
Black 1,500 29.41%
Hispanic 700 13.73%
American Indian / Alaska Native 100 1.96%
Asian 100 1.96%
Total 5,100 100.0%
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This facility, known as "Forsyth County Detention Center" is also known as Forsyth County Jail & Detention Center , Forsyth County Jail & Detention Center , North Carolina, Forsyth.