Gaston County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Gaston County?
Inmate records in Gaston County are official government documents maintained by local correctional facilities and the Gaston County Sheriff's Office that document individuals who are in custody. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to persons who have been arrested, booked, and detained in county facilities. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1.4, these records are classified as criminal justice records and are subject to specific disclosure regulations.
It is important to distinguish inmate records from court records. While the Gaston County court system maintains case files related to criminal proceedings, charges, and dispositions, the Sheriff's Office and correctional facilities maintain custody records documenting an individual's physical detention status. The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, where demographic information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge details are collected and documented.
Throughout an individual's incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and other relevant information. Upon release, the inmate record is closed but maintained according to North Carolina's records retention schedule. The Gaston County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of these records for individuals housed in county detention facilities.
Are Inmate Records Public In Gaston County?
Inmate records in Gaston County are partially accessible to the public in accordance with North Carolina Public Records Law § 132-1, which establishes that public records shall be "the property of the people." However, access is limited by § 132-1.4, which specifically addresses criminal investigation records and provides certain exemptions for law enforcement and correctional agencies.
Under current North Carolina law, the following inmate record information is generally available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information including full name and aliases
- Mugshot photographs
- Charges filed against the inmate
- Bond/bail amounts
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Current housing facility
Information that is typically restricted from public disclosure includes:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary records
- Visitor logs
- Personal identification information (Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers)
- Detailed security information
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
The Gaston County Sheriff's Office maintains and provides access to these records in compliance with state regulations.
What's Included Inmate Records in Gaston County
Inmate records in Gaston County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the detention system. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer information
- Current custody status
- Housing assignment within the facility
- Classification level (minimum, medium, maximum security)
- Disciplinary incidents and actions taken
- Participation in jail programs or work assignments
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Warrant or citation numbers
- Arresting agency case numbers
- Statute violations
- Charge severity levels
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (secured, unsecured, cash)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Bondsman information, if applicable
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court case numbers
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior)
- Court outcomes and dispositions
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction date
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/work time credits earned
- Probation/parole eligibility dates
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
- Release conditions
- Post-release supervision requirements
These records are maintained in the Gaston County Sheriff's Office's jail management system and are updated throughout an inmate's period of incarceration.
Gaston County Prison System
The Gaston County correctional system operates within a multi-tiered structure that includes both county and state facilities. The primary local detention facility is operated by the Gaston County Sheriff's Office and houses individuals who are awaiting trial, serving sentences of less than one year, or awaiting transfer to state prison facilities. The county jail system is distinct from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction state prison system, which houses individuals serving sentences longer than one year.
The Gaston County Jail primarily houses:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Individuals serving misdemeanor sentences (typically up to one year)
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Federal detainees (through intergovernmental agreements)
The Sheriff of Gaston County, as mandated by North Carolina law, is responsible for the operation and administration of the county jail. For information regarding the county detention center, members of the public may contact:
Gaston County Sheriff's Office
425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Gastonia, NC 28052
Phone: (704) 869-6800
Gaston County Sheriff's Office
The Gaston County Jail operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for intake and release. Administrative offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Gaston County
Gaston County houses several types of correctional facilities that serve different populations and security needs:
Gaston County Jail
425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Gastonia, NC 28052
Phone: (704) 869-6800
Gaston County Sheriff's Office
The Gaston County Jail is the primary detention facility operated by the Gaston County Sheriff's Office. This facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor convictions, and those awaiting transfer to state facilities. The jail provides various programs including educational services, substance abuse treatment, and religious services.
Gaston Correctional Center
520 Justice Court
Dallas, NC 28034
Phone: (704) 922-3861
Gaston Correctional Center
Gaston Correctional Center is a state-operated minimum custody prison facility for adult males with a capacity of 242 offenders. This facility is operated by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction rather than county authorities. The center focuses on reentry preparation and offers various vocational and educational programs. Inmates at this facility may participate in work release programs and community volunteer service.
Juvenile Detention Center
1526 Broadcast Street
Gastonia, NC 28052
Phone: (704) 862-7650
NC Department of Public Safety Juvenile Justice
This facility houses juvenile offenders under the age of 18 who are awaiting court proceedings or placement in youth development centers. The juvenile detention center is operated by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety's Juvenile Justice section, not Gaston County.
Each of these facilities serves different populations within the criminal justice system and operates under different jurisdictional authorities, with varying security levels, programming, and visitation policies.
Who's in Prison In Gaston County
The Gaston County detention facilities house diverse populations of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. Currently, the county jail population primarily consists of:
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Pre-trial detainees who have been charged with crimes but not yet convicted, representing approximately 60-70% of the jail population. These individuals are legally presumed innocent until proven guilty and are detained because they:
- Could not afford to post bail
- Were denied bail due to public safety concerns
- Are awaiting their initial court appearance
-
Sentenced offenders serving terms of incarceration for:
- Misdemeanor convictions with sentences up to one year
- Felony convictions awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Probation violations resulting in short-term confinement
-
Specialized populations including:
- Individuals held on immigration detainers
- Federal detainees housed through intergovernmental agreements
- Individuals awaiting competency evaluations or treatment
- Individuals serving weekend sentences or work-release programs
The demographic composition of the Gaston County jail population generally reflects broader criminal justice trends in North Carolina. According to data from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, the inmate population includes disproportionate representation of individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and those with substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
The Gaston Correctional Center, as a state facility, houses a different population consisting primarily of male inmates serving sentences for felony convictions who have been classified as minimum security risks. Many of these individuals are approaching their release dates and participating in reentry programming.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Gaston County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Gaston County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for conducting inmate record searches:
Online Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the Gaston County Sheriff's Office official website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Detention Center" section
- Select the "Inmate Search" or "Current Inmates" option
- Enter the required search criteria (last name, first name, or booking number)
- Review the results, which typically include booking photo, charges, bond amount, and next court date
In-Person Record Requests:
- Visit the Gaston County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a public records request form, providing the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies)
Written Record Requests:
- Submit a written request to:
Gaston County Sheriff's Office Records Division
425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Gastonia, NC 28052 - Include the inmate's full name, date of birth (if known), and specific information requested
- Provide contact information for response
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
For state inmates housed at Gaston Correctional Center, searches must be conducted through the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction's Offender Public Information Search system.
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6.2, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying public records, but examination of records must be permitted at no charge during regular business hours.
How To Find an Inmate in Gaston County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Gaston County without incurring costs can be accomplished through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide free access to basic inmate information:
Gaston County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Gaston County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" function
- Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
- Review the results showing current inmates in county custody
- Information typically includes name, booking date, charges, and bond amount
North Carolina Offender Search (for state inmates):
- Visit the NC Department of Adult Correction Public Information Search
- Enter the inmate's name or ID number
- Review results for inmates housed at Gaston Correctional Center or other state facilities
Telephone Inquiry:
- Call the Gaston County Detention Center at (704) 869-6800
- Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
- Request basic custody information (confirmation of incarceration, charges, bond amount)
Court Record Search:
- Access the North Carolina Judicial Branch website
- Navigate to the "Court Dates" search function
- Enter the individual's name
- Review upcoming court dates, which may confirm detention status
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Gaston County Detention Center lobby during regular business hours
- Speak with the front desk officer
- Provide the name of the person you are inquiring about
- Receive basic information about custody status
These free methods provide limited information in compliance with public records laws. More detailed information may require formal records requests and associated fees. Information obtained through these methods is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time changes in custody status.
How To Visit an Inmate In Gaston County
Visitation with inmates housed in Gaston County detention facilities is subject to strict regulations designed to maintain facility security while allowing inmates to maintain community connections. The following guidelines apply to visitation at the Gaston County Jail:
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Maximum Security: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- No visitation on Mondays or county holidays
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
- Inmates are permitted two visits per week
Visit Types:
- On-site video visitation (primary method)
- Remote video visitation (fee-based service)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
- Contact visits (special circumstances only)
Registration Requirements:
- All visitors must register in advance through the jail's visitation system
- First-time visitors must register at least 24 hours before the intended visit
- Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with proper documentation
Required Identification:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Birth certificates for minors
- Documentation of legal guardianship when applicable
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
Prohibited Items:
- Cell phones and electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Food or beverages
- Bags, purses, or backpacks
- Tobacco products
- Cash exceeding $20
Visit Restrictions:
- Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
- Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
- Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in termination of visitation privileges
For state inmates at Gaston Correctional Center, different visitation policies apply. Visitors should consult the NC Department of Adult Correction website for specific guidelines.
All visitation policies are subject to change based on facility needs and security concerns. Visitors are advised to verify current policies before planning a visit.
How To Send Money to a Gaston County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Gaston County detention facilities have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds allow inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and pay for other approved services.
Approved Deposit Methods:
-
Online Deposits:
- Visit the Gaston County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the inmate services section
- Select the approved third-party payment processor
- Create an account or log in
- Enter the inmate's information and deposit amount
- Pay using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Service fees apply (typically 3-5% of deposit amount)
-
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Gaston County Detention Center lobby
- Use the automated kiosk machine
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Insert cash or use credit/debit card
- Receive printed receipt
- Kiosk available 24/7
- Lower service fees than online deposits
-
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase money order from post office or authorized retailer
- Make payable to "Gaston County Inmate Trust Fund"
- Write inmate's full name and ID number in memo line
- Mail to:
Gaston County Detention Center
Attn: Inmate Accounts
425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Gastonia, NC 28052 - No personal checks or cash accepted
- No service fees apply
Deposit Limits and Restrictions:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
- Maximum account balance: $1,000.00
Funds Usage Regulations:
- Approved uses include commissary purchases, telephone calls, medical co-pays, and haircuts
- Funds cannot be used for bail or bond payments
- Funds cannot be transferred between inmates
- Certain restrictions apply to inmates with court-ordered financial obligations
Prohibited Items for Purchase:
- Tobacco products
- Alcohol
- Medications not prescribed by jail medical staff
- Items exceeding approved possession limits
- Any contraband items
For inmates housed at Gaston Correctional Center (state facility), money must be sent through the NC Department of Adult Correction approved channels, which differ from county procedures.
All funds received are subject to deductions for outstanding debts, including court costs, restitution, and child support obligations, in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes § 148-33.1.
How To Send Jail Mail In Gaston County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Gaston County detention facilities is permitted but subject to specific regulations designed to maintain facility security. The following guidelines apply to sending mail to inmates:
Mailing Address Format:
Inmate's Full Name, ID Number
Gaston County Jail
425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Gastonia, NC 28052
Approved Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter, no padding)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
- Money orders (see financial section for details)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Hardcover books or magazines
- Stickers, labels, or adhesive stamps inside the envelope
- Polaroid photographs
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cash or personal checks
- Postage stamps
- Any items containing contraband or prohibited substances
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
Mail Inspection Procedures:
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
- Mail may be photocopied, with copies provided to inmates
- Original items may be placed in the inmate's property or returned to sender
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
Book and Publication Delivery:
- Books must be shipped directly from publishers or approved vendors
- Soft-cover books only
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- Subject to content review by facility staff
E-Messages (if available):
- Available through the jail's approved third-party service
- Fees apply per message
- Messages subject to same content restrictions as physical mail
- Typically delivered more quickly than postal mail
For inmates housed at the state-operated Gaston Correctional Center, different mail regulations apply. Correspondents should consult the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction website for specific guidelines.
All mail policies are subject to change based on facility needs and security concerns. Violation of mail rules may result in rejection of correspondence and possible suspension of mail privileges for the inmate.
Lookup Inmate Records in Gaston County
Gaston County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
North Carolina Judicial Branch Court Records
NC Department of Adult Correction Public Records