Have a question about an inmate? The 600-bed Johnston County Jail takes calls 24 hours a day at 919-989-5040.
People arrested in the county for misdemeanors and felonies are brought to this jail for booking and processing. If their charges require detention, they stay until they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or held until a trial resolves their case.
To see who is locked up here, use the inmate search tool.
Inmates who get less than a year serve it at this jail. Inmates who get more than a year go to the North Carolina State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page shows you how to use the jail roster, get directions, and access inmate services, including visitation, account deposits, mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and text messaging, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary.
Save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for sending mail and messages. If you can’t find it online, call Johnston County Jail at 919-989-5040.
Phone: 919-989-5040
Physical Address:
127 S. Second Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Johnston County Jail
P.O. Box 1496
Smithfield, NC 27577
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Johnston County Jail
P.O. Box 1496
Smithfield, NC 27577
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Johnston County Jail, 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 919-989-5040 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 Johnston County.
Johnston County Jail Inmate Search
The Johnston County Jail maintains an average of 600 offenders in custody on any given day. The Johnston County Jail 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 Johnston County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 12,000 offenders.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessBuilt in 2022, the Johnston County Jail has 469 beds with space for 600. Intake, booking, medical, and magistrate’s areas; kitchen and service areas; and administration and support areas. Prior to the construction the county had been paying approximately $1 million per year to house their inmates in other counties. Includes eleven 39-bed housing units and one 40-bed dormitory, secure outdoor recreation yards attached to each housing unit, a new state jail requirement public lobby, video visitation area, training room, and administrative offices.
Narcotic prescriptions not accepted here for inmates.
The Johnston County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Johnston County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year.
It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.
If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 919-989-5040, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.
Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment.
Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks.
The Johnston County Jail also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills.
Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided.
Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit.
Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program.
Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page.
All personal mail is sent to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Johnston County Jail
P.O. Box 1496
Smithfield, NC 27577
Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.
Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Johnston County Jail
P.O. Box 1496
Smithfield, NC 27577
After being arrested, the offender is brought to the Johnston County Jail for booking, which is the detailed process of identifying, classifying, deciding on charges, and whether the person will either be released on their own recognizance, allowed to be released on bail, or moved into the jail until their court date.
The first thing every newly arrested person must do is close their mouth. Everything an offender says may be used against them, so the best thing to do is remain silent when questioned about the arrest and what led to it.
These are the steps of booking someone into the Johnston County Jail:
If you have any questions about when you can pay an offender's bond and what the cost will be, call the facility at 919-989-5040.
When an offender is arrested and brought to the Johnston County Jail in Smithfield for booking, there are several outcomes after being processed.
1. The offender will be released with no bail, promising to return on a specific date to appear before a judge in either Municipal or Johnston County Court.
2. The offender is ordered to remain in jail until their court date.
3. The offender is allowed to be released after paying a specified bond or bail. Call 919-989-5040 to get the exact amount.
The payment of an offender's bail or bond can take many shapes.
For detailed Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about the entire bail process in Johnston County North Carolina, check out the Johnston County Jail Bail Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Johnston County Jail? What is the Schedule?
127 S. Second Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-989-5045
ON SITE IN PERSON VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIMES |
| SATURDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| SUNDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
127 S. Second Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-989-5040
Schedule Video Visits online with Securus
ON SITE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| MONDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| TUESDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| THURSDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| FRIDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| SATURDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
Schedule Video Visits online with Securus
REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| MONDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| TUESDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| THURSDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| FRIDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| SATURDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
Johnston County Jail uses PayTel Connect for visiting an inmate - These are video visits.
It works like this:
Johnston County Jail uses PayTel Connect for visiting an inmate with video.
It works like this:
For more information, including dress codes, rules and guidelines, visiting hours and more, check out our Visitation Page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Johnston County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-989-5040 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Johnston County Jail?
Schedule Video Visits online with Securus
REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME |
| SUNDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| MONDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| TUESDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| THURSDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| FRIDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| SATURDAY | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Johnston County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-989-5040 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Johnston County Jail?
Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
Bring money to the jail in person.
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a Jail ATM self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.
Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Johnston County Jail uses Jail ATM to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.
Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union. Call the Johnston County Jail first as they may want you to do this online or at the jail kiosk instead.
Make the Money Order out to the payee the jail names (check with the jail first) and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order. Never mail cash or a personal check.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Johnston County Jail
P.O. Box 1496
Smithfield, NC 27577
Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit with Jail ATM over the Phone by calling 877-810-0914
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #) and full legal name.
To deposit money online for an inmate in Johnston County Jail follow these steps:
For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Johnston County Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Johnston County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Johnston County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-989-5040 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Johnston County Jail?
To receive phone calls from inmates in Johnston County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:
For all the information regarding phone calls with Johnston 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 Johnston County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-989-5040 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Johnston County Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
Check the Johnston County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Johnston County Jail 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#
Johnston County Jail
P.O. Box 1496
Smithfield, NC 27577
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Johnston County Jail
P.O. Box 1496
Smithfield, NC 27577
Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper 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
Check the Johnston County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Johnston County Jail standards will be disposed of.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Johnston County Jail
P.O. Box 1496
Smithfield, NC 27577
Postcards
Check the Johnston County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Envelopes
The Johnston County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Johnston County Jail
P.O. Box 1496
Smithfield, NC 27577
Legal Mail
Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Johnston County Jail
P.O. Box 1496
Smithfield, NC 27577
Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper 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
Check the Johnston County Jail's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Johnston County Jail standards will be disposed of.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Johnston County Jail
P.O. Box 1496
Smithfield, NC 27577
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Johnston County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-989-5040 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Johnston County Jail, and what can I purchase?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Johnston County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-989-5040 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Johnston County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Using Jail ATM Digital Messaging with an Inmate at Johnston County Jail - Sending and Receiving Messages.
How It Works:
Once you sign up with Jail ATM instant Messaging you can you can send texts from the cell phone associated with the mobile number you provided at sign-up, and receive text messages from the inmate on the same cell phone. You can only use the phone number you signed up with or it won't work.
To learn more about this email service, check out our full instructions, including fees at our emailing and texting page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Johnston County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-989-5040 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Johnston County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Jail ATM is the same company that handles inmate money deposits and other services. Inmates can use their commissary accounty to order these.
The tablets can be rented on a daily basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for many activities.
All inmates receive some free time on the tablets each day. Purchasing a Gold Pass allows inmates access to the tablet for an extended period of time without interruption. The current fee for a 24-hour rental is $4.99, however Johnston County Jail may have a monthly rental plan. The tablet should last 5-7 hours on a single charge. An inmate with a Gold Pass, may return the discharged tablet and take another one provided there is still time remaining on the Gold Pass.
Tablet Services:
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Johnston County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-989-5040 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Johnston County?
This facility, known as "Johnston County Jail" is also known as Johnston County Detention Center, Johnston County Jail & Detention Center , Johnston County Jail & Detention Center , North Carolina, Johnston.