Wake County Detention Center
Wake County Detention Center
Get inmate information from the 1100-bed Wake County Detention Center 24 hours a day by calling 919-856-5952.
Any adult arrested in the county on a misdemeanor or felony is brought to this jail for booking and processing. After that, the charges decide whether they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or held until the disposition of their trial.
The inmate search tool shows who has been arrested and remains in custody.
Inmates given less than a year serve their sentence at this facility. Those given more than a year are transferred to the North Carolina State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page covers searching the official roster, calling the facility at 919-856-5952, directions, the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary.
Save the jail ID or booking number as soon as you have it. If it’s not online, call Wake County Detention Center at 919-856-5952.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Wake 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 919-856-5952 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 Wake County. If all you are searching for are who was arrested in the last 48 hours, and what their criminal charges are, the Wake County Sheriff keeps a running list for the public.
Wake County Detention Center Inmate Search
The Wake County Detention Center maintains an average of 1100 offenders in custody on any given day. The Wake 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 Wake County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 32,080 offenders.
The following charts of Wake 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 Wake 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 Wake 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 Wake 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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWithin Wake County, NC, there are two detention facilities that are both operated by the local Sheriff’s Office, this one, the Wake County Detention Center, and the Baker Public Safety Center. A total inmate capacity of 1,568 is achieved when combining both facilities, and they are operated as one with the same services, hours, and expectations at each.
Medical staff is available to meet all medical care needs of any inmate from the time they arrive until their release, with a focus on maintaining a positive environment and providing quality care.
A commissary is present and family or friends may add money to the account of the inmate by attending the facility directly or by mail to the facility with their name to 3301 Hammond Road, Raleigh.
Personal mail is sent, for both facilities, to
Wake County Detention Center
Inmate Name, Inmate Identifier
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
All mail is scanned and will be delivered to the tablet of the inmate that it is intended for.
Inmates are also able to have visits, though all visits are through video and will be completed at the Wake County Detention Center at 3301 Hammond Road, Raleigh, and must be scheduled at least one day in advance.
Visiting hours are 9am-1:30pm, break for lunch, and resume 4pm-6:30pm with all visits occurring on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. There is one half hour visit each week for each inmate, with two visitors being permitted for each visit.
- Jail (Main): 919-856-5952
- Sheriff: 919-856-6900
What happens during booking at Wake County Detention Center?
After arrest, individuals are processed at Wake County Detention Center, where they undergo a series of steps that determine their charges and whether they’ll be released on their own recognizance, allowed to post bail, or held until their court date.
The first rule for anyone arrested is to remain silent. Anything they say can be used in court, so it’s best to speak only to an attorney about the incident.
Here are the typical stages of the booking process at Wake County Detention Center:
- Verifying the person’s identity.
- Taking mugshots.
- Questions regarding medical and mental health history, along with drug and gang affiliations.
- Collecting DNA if necessary.
- Conducting a physical search.
- Confiscating personal belongings.
- Providing a phone call.
If you need details about an offender’s bail or bond, contact the facility at 919-856-5952.
How do you post bail in Wake County?
If someone is taken to Wake County Detention Center in Raleigh for booking, the next steps depend on their case:
1. The individual may be released without bail, under a promise to appear at a court hearing.
2. They could be held in custody until their trial.
3. They may post a bail or bond for release. To find out the exact bail amount, call 919-856-5952.
Bail payments can be handled in various ways.
- Cash bonds are paid in full, normally at the jail's bonding window or with the clerk of court, by cash, cashier's check or money order, and card payments are often possible through a kiosk in the lobby or an online vendor for a convenience fee; have the inmate's full name and booking number ready, and reach the jail at 919-856-5952.
- Licensed bail bond agents in Wake County can facilitate payment.
- Property bonds are available in many courts: an owner may pledge land or a home after proving clear title and equity of at least the bond amount (often double) with the deed and a recent tax or appraisal figure, and the court that set bail decides whether to accept it.
For a comprehensive guide to the bail process in Wake County, North Carolina, visit the Wake County Detention Center Bail FAQ page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Wake County Detention Center? What is the Schedule?
Wake County Detention Center Inmate Video Visitation
3301 Hammond Road
Raleigh, NC
Questions & Scheduling Visits: 919-857-9103
- All visitations for both the Wake County Detention Center and the Baker Public Safety Center, are conducted by video at the Wake County Detention Center, 3301 Hammond Road, Raleigh.
- All visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance.
- To schedule an appointment call 919-857-9103 (Monday–Thursday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM)
- Each inmate will receive one (1) visit for (30) minutes every week.
- Each inmate may receive two (2) visitors: either two adults, or one adult and one child. THE TWO MUST VISIT AT THE SAME TIME.
- Visitors under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older.
- All visitors 16 and over must have a government-issued picture identification.
- Nothng can be brought into the visit (lockers provided), nor can you leave things for the inmate at the Visit Center.
| DAYS | TIMES |
| SUNDAY | NO VISITS |
| MONDAY | 9:00AM - 1:30PM 4:00PM - 6:30PM |
| TUESDAY | 9:00AM - 1:30PM 4:00PM - 6:30PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 9:00AM - 1:30PM 4:00PM - 6:30PM |
| THURSDAY | 9:00AM - 1:30PM 4:00PM - 6:30PM |
| FRIDAY | NO VISITS |
| SATURDAY | NO VISITS |
NOTE: No Visits will take place on days that fall on a county holiday
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Wake County Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-856-5952 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Wake County Detention Center?
There are multiple ways to add money to an inmate's account at Wake 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. Lobby kiosk - Ask the jail whether it has an Access Corrections kiosk for deposits.
4. By mail - Ask Access Corrections or the jail whether money orders can be mailed, and to what address.
Ask who the money order should be made out to, and include the inmate name and ID number on all money orders.
5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Ask the Wake County Detention Center whether it accepts cash deposits in person, and where.
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: customerservice@accesscorrections.com
Online Chat - Look for 'bubble' on bottom right of the page linked here.
How to Send Money to an Inmate in Wake County
To send commissary money to an inmate in Wake County Detention Center follow these steps:
- Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
- Select North Carolina, then select Wake 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 Wake County Detention Center.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Wake County Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-856-5952 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Wake County Detention Center?
How Do Inmates in Wake County Detention Center Make Phone Calls?
To receive phone calls from inmates in Wake County, or to assist them in making phone calls to other people, follow these steps:
- Wake County Detention Center uses the services of IC Solutions.
- Register with them online or call them at 888-506-8407.
- Agents are available 24 hours a day, and speak both English & Spanish.
- Families and friends of Wake County inmates can set up a prepaid calling account with IC Solutions, which can also explain any messaging or video call options it offers in Wake County.
- Call rates are set by the provider and can change; IC Solutions shows the current per-minute rate when you set up an account.
Note: All your calls with an inmate are recorded, stored and shared with law enforcement if the conversation deals with your case or any criminal activity. Anything communicated can be used against you or your inmate in court.
For all the information regarding phone calls with Wake County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, limits 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 Wake County Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-856-5952 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Wake County Detention Center, and what can I send them?
Wake County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Check the Wake County Detention Center'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 Wake 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#
Wake County Detention Center, NC
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Wake County Detention Center
P.O. BOX 2479
Raleigh, NC 27602-2479
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 Wake County Detention Center'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 Wake County Detention Center standards will be disposed of.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Wake County Detention Center
P.O. BOX 2479
Raleigh, NC 27602-2479
Wake County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Check the Wake County Detention Center's mail rules before sending postcards or books.
Envelopes
The Wake County Detention Center also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Wake County Detention Center, NC
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Legal Mail
Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Wake County Detention Center
P.O. BOX 2479
Raleigh, NC 27602-2479
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 Wake County Detention Center'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 Wake County Detention Center standards will be disposed of.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Wake County Detention Center
P.O. BOX 2479
Raleigh, NC 27602-2479
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Wake County Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-856-5952 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Wake County Detention Center, and what can I purchase?
How to Send Money to an Inmate in Wake County
To send commissary money to an inmate in Wake County Detention Center follow these steps:
- Register with Access Corrections by creating an account.
- Select North Carolina, then select Wake 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 Wake County Detention Center.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Wake County Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-856-5952 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Wake County Detention Center using an Online Messaging Service?
Emailing and Texting Messages, Photos & Videograms
Wake County Detention Center 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 Wake County Detention Center,
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 Wake County Detention Center Inmate by Mail and by Email
To mail or email an inmate in Wake 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 Wake County Detention Center 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 Wake County Detention Center 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 Wake County Detention Center,
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 Wake 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 Wake 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 Wake County Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-856-5952 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Wake County Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Wake County Detention Center 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 Wake County Detention Center, 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 Wake County Detention Center.
- Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
- Wake County Detention Center 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 Wake County Detention Center
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 Wake County Detention Center 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 Wake County Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-856-5952 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other City and County Jails in Wake County?
Wake County County Jails
Wake County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Wake County?
This facility, known as "Wake County Detention Center" is also known as WCDC, Wake County Jail & Detention Center , Wake County Jail & Detention Center , North Carolina, Wake.