Johnston County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Johnston County

Johnston County Jail Information

The Johnston County Jail is a 600-bed jail located in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina. For inmate information, you can call them 24/7 at 919-989-5040.

This facility processes offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies within the county. They are brought here for booking and processing. Depending on their charges, they may remain incarcerated until they are either bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or ordered to stay in custody until their trial is resolved.

You can use the inmate search tool to view the jail's roster and see who is currently in custody.

Inmates sentenced to less than one year will serve their time in this facility. Those with sentences longer than one year will be transferred to either the North Carolina State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

On this page, you'll find information on inmate services, including the visitation schedule, funding an inmate's account, sending mail, receiving phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

It's useful to note and save the inmate's jail ID or booking number, which is often needed for sending mail or other communications. If you can't find it online, you can call Johnston County Jail at 919-989-5040 for assistance.

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

How Do You Find Someone in the Johnston County Jail?

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.

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About the Johnston County Jail

Built 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

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How does the booking process work at Johnston County Jail?

Once someone is arrested, they are taken to Johnston County Jail for booking. This process involves identifying the individual, determining charges, and deciding if they will be released on their own recognizance, released on bail, or held in custody until their court date.

It’s important for the arrestee to stay silent, as anything they say can be used against them. The best advice is to avoid answering any questions about the arrest until legal counsel is present.

The booking process at Johnston County Jail typically includes the following steps:

  • Verifying identity.
  • Taking a mugshot.
  • Answering questions regarding medical, mental health, and substance use history.
  • DNA collection, if required.
  • Conducting a thorough search.
  • Confiscating personal belongings.
  • Providing a free phone call.

Depending on circumstances, booking can take anywhere from one hour to up to 48 hours, especially during busy periods or if the individual is uncooperative. For questions about paying an arrestee’s bond or bail amount, contact the facility at 919-989-5040.

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Directions / Map to the Johnston County Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

What is the process to pay bail for someone detained in Johnston County?

After an individual is apprehended and taken to Johnston County Jail in Smithfield for booking, their release options vary based on the situation:

1. They might be released without bail, on the condition they appear in court on a scheduled date.
2. They may be detained until their court appearance.
3. They may be eligible for release after posting a bail or bond.  Call 919-989-5040 for the exact bail amount.

There are different ways to settle an individual's bail or bond.

  • Bail can be paid using cash, a money order, or a credit card.
  • A licensed bail bondsman in Johnston County can assist with payment.
  • Real estate located in the county can be used as bail collateral. 

For more information on the bail process in Johnston County, North Carolina, visit the Johnston County Jail Bail Information Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Johnston County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Johnston County Jail IN PERSON VISITATION SCHEDULE

127 S. Second Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-989-5045 

  • Visitation is held each weekend by appointment only.
  • To schedule an appointment, call (919) 989-5045 on Tuesday or Wednesday between the hours of 10am – 2pm.
  • Appointments are based on a “first come, first serve” basis.
  • Be prepared with the names of all people who will be visiting.
  • Only 4 people may visit an inmate during any appointment.
  • Each inmate is allowed one 15 minute appointment per week.
  • Each person registering to visit that is 16 years of age or older must have a valid ID or driver’s license issued by the DMV and be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older.

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


Johnston County Jail ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

127 S. Second Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-989-5040

Schedule Video Visits online with Securus

  • On-site Visits are free.
  • Visits are 30 minutes.
  • Visitation schedule subject to change.
  • Inmates are allowed four visits per week; on-site and remote.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an on-site video session.
  • All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

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


Johnston County Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

Schedule Video Visits online with Securus

  • All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Visits are $5.95 for 30 minutes.
  • Visitation Schedule subject to change.

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 Securus Video Connect for Remote Inmate Video Visitation. 



Video Visitation allows 'approved' friends, family members, attorneys and clergy of an inmate to connect with them using their computer, Securus Video Visitation app, or ‘on-site’ kiosk. 

Steps:
Register and/or log in.
Select the facility of your inmate.
Review the days, available hours and the cost of remote and on-site visits.
Schedule your visit.

What is the Cost of a Remote Video Visit?
Costs vary and are subject to change, but generally visits range from $5.00 to $15.00 for a 15 to 30 minute online or on-site video visit.

How do you know if your Inmate will be available during the time you schedule?
The Securus system knows the times that Johnston County Jail inmates are available for remote video visits.
It will not allow you to schedule a visit with your inmate if they are not available or the video visitation kiosk(s) in the jail are booked already.
Once you schedule a visit with your inmate they will be notified of the date and time of the visit.

Important Tips:
Your entire visit is being monitored and recorded. Do not say or do anything that you would not want being replayed in court.
You should schedule your visit, in advance, at a time that works best for you.
For best sound quality, use earbuds or headsets.

Quick & Easy Access to Important Information & Help:
Phone: 972-734-1111 or 877-578-3658
Video Tutorial on Registering for Securus Video Visits.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Johnston County Jail Pricing.
Securus Contact Information.
iphone app
Android app

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.

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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 Johnston County Jail?

Johnston County Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

Schedule Video Visits online with Securus

  • All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Visits are $5.95 for 30 minutes.
  • Visitation Schedule subject to change.

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.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Johnston County Jail?

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

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 inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.
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.

How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Johnston County

To deposit money online for an inmate in Johnston County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, a service that acts as a bank for inmates in Johnston County.
  • After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
  • Choose North Carolina, then choose Johnston County Jail
  • Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
  • Select your inmate.
  • Input an amount to deposit to your inmate in Johnston County Jail, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much money you can send your inmate in Johnston County at any one time.
  • If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914.

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.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Johnston County Jail?

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Johnston County Jail

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Johnston County do the following:

1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.

2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose [facility_name_1}, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.

To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your Johnston County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.

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.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Johnston County Jail, and what can I send them?

Johnston County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Johnston County Jail 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 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
The Johnston County Jail 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 below.
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. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
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#
Johnston County Jail
P.O. Box 1496
Smithfield, NC 27577

Johnston County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Johnston County Jail 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.

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
The Johnston County Jail 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 below.
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. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
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#
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.

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Inmate Commissary

Can 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.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Johnston County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

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.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Johnston County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

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.

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Are there photos of the Johnston County Jail? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

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

Johnston Harnett Sampson Wayne Wake Franklin Nash Wilson
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Search for an Inmate in 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.