Mecklenburg Detention Center Central

To search for an inmate in the Mecklenburg Detention Center Central, 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 704-336-8100 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 Mecklenburg County.

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff has a very informative FAQ section that helps you understand the various codes used on the Jail Roster and what they mean. If you know someone who has been arrested, and you want to understand when they are going to be released, or why they are still being held, the FAQ will be very helpful.

Mecklenburg Detention Center Central Inmate Search

The Mecklenburg Detention Center Central maintains an average of 1900 offenders in custody on any given day. The Mecklenburg Detention Center Central 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 Mecklenburg County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 50,280 offenders.

The following charts of Mecklenburg 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 Mecklenburg 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 Mecklenburg 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 Mecklenburg 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.

How to handle bail after an arrest in Mecklenburg County

If someone has been booked at Mecklenburg Detention Center Central in Charlotte, their next steps may include:

1. Release without posting bail, provided they agree to attend court.
2. Detainment until their trial.
3. Posting bail or bond to secure release. For the exact amount, call 704-336-8100.

There are a variety of payment methods available for bail.

• The usual way to post a cash bond is to pay the full amount at the jail bonding window or the clerk of court by cash, cashier's check or money order; many jails also offer card payment through a lobby kiosk or online bond vendor for a fee, and you should bring the inmate's full name and booking number (call 704-336-8100 for the jail).
• Assistance is available from licensed bail bond companies in Mecklenburg County.
• Real property bonds are accepted in many courts: an owner may offer land or a home after showing clear title and equity of at least the bond, often double, with a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves it.

For a full guide to the bail process in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, visit the Mecklenburg Detention Center Central Bail Information Page.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Mecklenburg Detention Center Central? What is the Schedule?

Mecklenburg Detention Center Central Inmate at-the-jail Visitation Schedule, Registration & Guidelines

For remote video visits, scroll down to the second schedule.
For Clergy Visits, scroll to the bottom of this section.

801 East Fourth Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-336-8100

• All visits must be scheduled online with ViaPath/GTL.
  
• If you have questions or problems scheduling a visit please call Via Path at 855-208-7349.
• Each inmate is allowed one 25-minute visit per week.
• An inmate may have two adults and one child, or one adult and two children for their visit. Adults must be 18 and older.
• All Visits must be scheduled at least one day in advance but cannot be scheduled more than one week in advance. 
• Visits will automatically be cancelled if the visitor arrives 10 minutes after the scheduled visitation time.
• ID Required: valid state issued id, driver’s license, passport, military, or international id required.
• Mecklenburg Detention Center Central will not accept any state issued driver’s license, or id cards if they are cracked, expired, taped, faded, laminated or that appear to be altered.

Mecklenburg Detention Center Central Remote Inmate Visitation Schedule, Registration & Guidelines

• All visits must be scheduled online with ViaPath/GTL.
  
• If you have questions or problems scheduling a visit please call ViaPath at 855-208-7349.
• Each resident will receive two free 10 minute internet video calls per week, not on the same day.
• All internet video calls can be conducted via a webcam enabled computer, or Android device. Download both GTL/ViaPath VisMobile Apps.
• Remote video visits cost $6.25 for a 25 minute visit, or $2.50 for a 10 minute visit. 
• All Visits must be scheduled at least one day in advance but cannot be scheduled more than one week in advance. 
• Visits will automatically be cancelled if the visitor arrives 10 minutes after the scheduled visitation time.

CLERGY VISTS: Each resident receives one free 25 minute clergy video and one in-person visit a week. To schedule and get authorization, call the Volunteer Coordinator at 980-314-5172 during normal business hours Monday through Friday.

Mecklenburg Detention Center Central offers Video Visitation for Inmates using the Services of GTL, aka ViaPath Techologies

In order to schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL you need to first register with GTL.

Next Steps:

• Register yourself and all visitors.
• Select Mecklenburg Detention Center Central
• Select your inmate.
• Schedule your preferred time for the visit.

For at-home video visits: Sign in to the visitation scheduling site 15 minutes prior to your scheduled visit. Test your connection, and follow the steps to start your visit.
For on-site video visits: Arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes prior to check-in. A valid photo ID is required. 

All your questions can be answered after you register, at the Frequently Asked Questions page, or call 855-208-7349 during the following hours:
6AM – 4PM MST Monday – Friday, or 
7AM – 4PM MST Saturday – Sunday

Costs for Visits are subject to change but generally run less than $10.00 for a 30 minute visit.
Payment can be made with Visa, Mastercard debit, credit or gift cards.

How to Arrange Video Visitation with Mecklenburg Detention Center Central Inmates

Follow these instructions to schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL.

• Register yourself and all visitors.
• Select Mecklenburg Detention Center Central
• Select your inmate.
• Schedule your preferred time for the visit.

For all the information you need to know regarding scheduling, cost, rules, tips and guidelines of inmate visits at the Mecklenburg Detention Center Central, check out our Visit Inmate Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mecklenburg Detention Center Central’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 704-336-8100 for further assistance.

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

Mecklenburg Detention Center Central Inmate at-the-jail Visitation Schedule, Registration & Guidelines

For remote video visits, scroll down to the second schedule.

801 East Fourth Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-336-8100

• All visits must be scheduled online with ViaPath/GTL.
  
• If you have questions or problems scheduling a visit please call Via Path at 855-208-7349.
• Each inmate is allowed one 25-minute visit per week.
• An inmate may have two adults and one child, or one adult and two children for their visit. Adults must be 18 and older.
• All Visits must be scheduled at least one day in advance but cannot be scheduled more than one week in advance. 
• Visits will automatically be cancelled if the visitor arrives 10 minutes after the scheduled visitation time.
• ID Required: valid state issued id, driver’s license, passport, military, or international id required.
• Mecklenburg Detention Center Central will not accept any state issued driver’s license, or id cards if they are cracked, expired, taped, faded, laminated or that appear to be altered.

Mecklenburg Detention Center Central Remote Inmate Visitation Schedule, Registration & Guidelines

• All visits must be scheduled online with ViaPath/GTL.
  
• If you have questions or problems scheduling a visit please call ViaPath at 855-208-7349.
• Each resident will receive two free 10 minute internet video calls per week, not on the same day.
• All internet video calls can be conducted via a webcam enabled computer, or Android device. Download both GTL/ViaPath VisMobile Apps.
• Remote video visits cost $6.25 for a 25 minute visit, or $2.50 for a 10 minute visit. 
• All Visits must be scheduled at least one day in advance but cannot be scheduled more than one week in advance. 
• Visits will automatically be cancelled if the visitor arrives 10 minutes after the scheduled visitation time.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mecklenburg Detention Center Central’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 704-336-8100 for further assistance.

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Mecklenburg Detention Center Central?

There are two options for putting money on an inmate's books:

Option 1 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Mecklenburg Detention Center Central uses Touchpay 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 2
Money Orders and Cashier's Checks can NOT be sent to the inmate. 
They MUST be made out the inmate and their PID# and sent to the Inmate Trust Account Department:
Inmate's Name as it appears on their armband, and PID Number
P.O. Box 31427
Charlotte, N.C. 28231-1427

How to Deposit Money into an Inmate's Account in Mecklenburg Detention Center Central

To deposit money into the account of an inmate in Mecklenburg County, follow these instructions:

• Create an account with Touchpay Services, a GTL company.
• 
• Select North Carolina.
• Select Mecklenburg Detention Center Central
• Enter the Inmate ID of your inmate.  This can be found by calling 704-336-8100 or by looking up the inmate's name in the Inmate Search link.
• Enter your billing information and send money.
• You can also deposit cash using the kiosk at the Mecklenburg Detention Center Central.  To do this you need the Inmate's ID Number and the Facility Locator Number for Mecklenburg County.

For all the information you need regarding making an inmate deposit, what it costs, how much you can send, how long it takes for your inmate to receive funds and more, and to get the Facility Locator Number, check out our Send Money Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mecklenburg Detention Center Central’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 704-336-8100 for further assistance.

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Mecklenburg Detention Center Central?

How Do Inmates in Mecklenburg Detention Center Central Make or Receive Phone Calls?

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

1.  Start by confirming that Mecklenburg Detention Center Central has the phone service you need to communicate with your inmate by the facility lookup here.
2. In the meantime, you can create an account here for Viapath / GettingOut.
3. Then add funds to your account. This account can be controlled by just you, or by both you and your inmate.
4. Last, select Mecklenburg Detention Center Central, and then the inmate you wish to communicate with.

Services vary by jail. GettingOut shows what this facility offers.

Phone & Voicemail Fees
Call rates, deposit fees and voicemail prices depend on the jail's contract. Check them on GettingOut or by calling 866-516-0115 before you add money.

Note: Rates are subject to change.

Types of Phone Calls

Prepaid calls (Direct Calls)
With Prepaid Calls you add money to a GettingOut account so the inmate can call your number. Ask GettingOut which other account types are offered at this jail.

Customer Service
If you have any questions about the Mecklenburg Detention Center Central GettingOut phone services, you can call them at 866-516-0115.

* All the information you need to understand making and receiving phone calls with inmates in Mecklenburg County, can be found on our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mecklenburg Detention Center Central’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 704-336-8100 for further assistance.

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

Mecklenburg Detention Center Central Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
Check the Mecklenburg Detention Center Central'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 Mecklenburg Detention Center Central 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 & PID #
Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, NC
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & PID #
Mecklenburg County Jail
P.O. Box 31367
Charlotte, NC 28231

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 Mecklenburg Detention Center Central'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 Mecklenburg Detention Center Central standards will be disposed of.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & PID #
Mecklenburg County Jail
P.O. Box 31367
Charlotte, NC 28231

Mecklenburg Detention Center Central Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
Check the Mecklenburg Detention Center Central's mail rules before sending postcards or books.

Envelopes
The Mecklenburg Detention Center Central also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & PID #
Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, NC
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

Legal Mail

Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & PID #
Mecklenburg County Jail
P.O. Box 31367
Charlotte, NC 28231

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 Mecklenburg Detention Center Central'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 Mecklenburg Detention Center Central standards will be disposed of.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & PID #
Mecklenburg County Jail
P.O. Box 31367
Charlotte, NC 28231

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mecklenburg Detention Center Central’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 704-336-8100 for further assistance.

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

Mecklenburg Detention Center Central allows pre-determined commissary packs to be purchased by friends and family of inmates.  

The service they use is called icaregifts.

Instructions

1.    Register here.
2.    Click the "Find an Inmate" button and enter your loved one’s first name, last name, or inmate number. When the information is entered correctly, click the “Search” button to confirm they are in the system.
3.    Select the icare gift you want to send them.
4.    Confirm the order in your confirmation email.
5.    Mecklenburg Detention Center Central has up to 30 days to give your icaregift pack to your inmate.
6.    You will receive a confirmation email when it is delivered.

There are a total of fourteen (14) pre-determined icaregift packs available to choose from. 

They range in price from $10.49 for ten pre-stamped envelopes, 2 pens and a pad of writing paper…

… to $104.99 for a box of 85 snack and food items…

… with many gift packs priced in between.

Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (you must have an inmate chosen in order to review these FAQs for Mecklenburg Detention Center Central

Contact Info:
888-439-5020 - 8AM–9PM ET, 7 days a week.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Mecklenburg County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Mecklenburg Detention Center Central follow these steps:

• Register here to create an account with icaregifts for Mecklenburg County.
• 
• Choose North Carolina, then Mecklenburg Detention Center Central, and then the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method. 
• NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Mecklenburg County at any one time.
• There are a total of fourteen (14) pre-determined icaregift packs available to choose from. 
• The gift packs for inmates in Mecklenburg County range in price from $10.49 for ten pre-stamped envelopes, 2 pens and a pad of writing paper, to $104.99 for a box of 85 snack and food items.

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Mecklenburg Detention Center Central, as well as sending money to the inmate so that they can purchase their own items, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Mecklenburg County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mecklenburg Detention Center Central’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 704-336-8100 for further assistance.

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

Emailing and Texting Messages, Photos & Videograms

Mecklenburg Detention Center Central contracts with Viapath/GettingOut, the same service that handles Inmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.


If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.

Then use the Facility Finder to:
1.  Select Mecklenburg Detention Center Central,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.

How Messaging Works
1.  Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.  
2. After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message.  Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.

How Uploading Photos Works
1.  Select the Photos Tab.
2. Select “Take New Photo” or “Upload New Photo”.
3. Take a new photo with your webcam, or select "Choose File" to upload a photo from your computer.
4. Give your photo a Title or add it to the "Gallery" of your choice.
5. Select the "Share" button.
6. Select your inmate(s) and then select "Share".
7. Once the photo is approved, it will be shared with your inmate(s).

Customer Service Questions
Call   866-516-0115

How to Communicate with an Mecklenburg Detention Center Central Inmate by Mail and by Email

To mail or email an inmate in Mecklenburg County follow these steps:

When mailing a letter or postcard to an inmate, please follow these instructions:

• All mail sent to an inmate at the Mecklenburg Detention Center Central must include the sender's name and mailing address in the top left corner of the envelope or postcard.
• All mail must include the facility's address, as well as the inmate's name and assigned number.
• Failure to include your return address will most likely result in your mail NOT being delivered and your letter destroyed.
• The Mecklenburg Detention Center Central has a zero-tolerance policy regarding mail violations. 
• All the information you need to understand mail and email policies can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.

Emailing Messages & Photos

Facility_name_1} contracts with Viapath/GTL/GettingOut, the same service that handles iInmate Phone Systems and Video Visitation, for sending secure messages and photos between you and your inmate.
 
If you are not already registered, do so here, or Log in.

Then use the Facility Finder to:
1.  Select Mecklenburg Detention Center Central,
2. Add your inmate to your list of contacts,
3. Add a credit or debit card to cover your costs.

• Messages can be up to 500 characters long, including punctuation. At the bottom of your message there is a 'character countdown' feature.  
• After you click the “CONTINUE” button, you can review the cost to send your message to your inmate. You can also attach credits for your inmate to reply to your message.  Be sure to accept the Terms and Conditions and click the “SEND” button for your message to be successfully delivered to your inmate.
• You can also send your Mecklenburg County inmate photos and videos.

Customer Service Questions
Call   866-516-0115

Go here to this FAQ to get answers to how the transition to ViaPath from GTL and gettingout will affect your account.

All the information you need to understand mail and email policies for Mecklenburg County can be found on our Inmate Mail Page and our Text/Email an Inmate Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mecklenburg Detention Center Central’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 704-336-8100 for further assistance.

Do Inmates in the Mecklenburg Detention Center Central have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Mecklenburg Detention Center Central allows inmates access to tablets to use for the services provided by Viapath / gettingout.

The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GettingOut, a GTL / Viapath company.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Mecklenburg Detention Center Central, such as:

• Music
• Books
• Games
• Education
• News
• Radio
• Television
• Read mail and messages
• Video visits

-  Free services are already available for use on the device at Mecklenburg Detention Center Central.
-  Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
-  Mecklenburg Detention Center Central Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.

What Does a Tablet Cost?

To estimate costs for tablets and other services such as phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page), but the following gives you a general idea.

Game Center:

30-Day Subscription: $4.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($5.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($3.74)

Seven-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($2.49)

Unlimited eBooks:

Thirty-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $1.00 service infrastructure charge ($2.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($1.74)

Seven-Day Subscription: $0.49, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)

Streaming Music:

Thirty-Day Subscription: $8.99, with an additional $16.00 service infrastructure charge ($24.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $5.99, with an additional $9.00 service infrastructure charge ($14.99)

Seven-Day Subscription: $2.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($7.99)

Newsfeed

Thirty-Day Subscription: $3.99, with an additional $6.00 service infrastructure charge ($9.99)

Fourteen-Day Subscription: $1.99, with an additional $5.00 service infrastructure charge ($6.99)

Seven-Day Subscription: $0.99, with an additional $3.00 service infrastructure charge ($3.99)

Same Day Subscription Services

Game Center: $0.99, with an additional $0.50 service infrastructure charge ($1.49)

Unlimited eBooks: $0.25, (Total = 0.25)

Newsfeed: $0.24, with an additional $0.75 service infrastructure charge ($0.99)

FM Radio: $0.24, with an additional $0.25 service infrastructure charge ($0.49)

All Subscription and message credit pricing is subject to state and local taxes. 

Replacement Components - should your inmate break it...

Tablet: $249.99 per each

Charger: $8.99 per each

Earbuds: $2.99 per each

How Inmates Can Use a Tablet to Access Services at Mecklenburg Detention Center Central

To find out how to get access to a tablet for inmate read the following:

1.  First, Register or Sign In to Viapath/GettingOut/GTL

2.  Purchase the services you want for your Mecklenburg Detention Center Central inmate.
3. All inmates have free access to the tablets to read their letters from family & friends, but there are many other services available to keep your inmate busy while incarcerated... such as Games, Books, Music and Movies. These other services come with fees that you can pay for when you pay for phone service.

To learn more about Tablet Rentals for inmates, including the cost, all the services available and everything else you need to know, check out our Tablet Rental Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Mecklenburg Detention Center Central’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 704-336-8100 for further assistance.

What are the other City and County Jails in Mecklenburg County?

Mecklenburg County County Jails

Mecklenburg County Juvenile Facilities

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