Wake County Detention Center

Search for an Inmate in Wake County

Wake County Detention Center Information

Located in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, the Wake County Detention Center is a 1100-bed facility. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate details at 919-856-5952.

This jail serves as the processing center for offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. They are brought here for booking and processing, and depending on their charges, they may be held until they are either bonded out, released on recognizance, or ordered to remain in custody until their trial is complete.

Use the inmate search tool to find out who is in custody at this facility.

Inmates with sentences under one year will serve their time at this jail, while those sentenced to longer terms will be transferred to either the North Carolina State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page offers helpful information regarding inmate services like the visitation schedule, funding an inmate's account, sending mail, phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.

Make sure to keep the inmate's jail ID or booking number, as it is often needed for correspondence or communication. If you're unable to locate it online, you can call Wake County Detention Center at 919-856-5952 for further assistance.

Phone: 919-856-5952

Physical Address:
3301 Hammond Road
Raleigh, NC 27603

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Wake County Detention Center, NC
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Wake County Detention Center
P.O. BOX 2479
Raleigh, NC 27602-2479

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Wake County Detention Center?

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.

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About the Wake County Detention Center

Within 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.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

Understanding the booking process at Wake County Detention Center

After an arrest, individuals are taken to Wake County Detention Center where they go through booking. This process includes identifying the person, reviewing charges, and determining whether they will be released on their own, eligible for bail, or detained until their court date.

It’s crucial to remain silent after being arrested. Anything said may be used in court, so it’s better to refrain from speaking until consulting with an attorney.

The following steps outline the booking procedure at Wake County Detention Center:

  • Personal identification verification.
  • Taking photographs (mugshots).
  • Medical and mental health assessment, as well as inquiries about substance use.
  • Possibly collecting DNA samples.
  • Performing a full-body search.
  • Seizing personal belongings for safekeeping.
  • Allowing one phone call.

Booking can take from a short hour to longer periods, especially on busy nights or with uncooperative individuals. For inquiries about posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 919-856-5952.

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Directions / Map to the Wake County Detention Center
Inmate Bail and Bonding

Paying bail for someone in custody in Wake County

Once someone is booked at Wake County Detention Center in Raleigh after an arrest, there are several outcomes:

1. They may be released without paying bail, agreeing to show up on a scheduled date.
2. They may remain in custody until their court appearance.
3. They can pay a bail or bond for release. Call 919-856-5952 for bail details.

Bail payments can take several forms.

  • Cash, credit card, or money order can be used for payment.
  • A licensed bail bond agent in Wake County can help cover bail.
  • Property within the county can also be used as collateral.

For detailed information about the bail process in Wake County, North Carolina, see the Wake County Detention Center Bail FAQ.

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Inmate Visitation

How 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.

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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 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 Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 919-856-5952 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How 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. Jail Lobby Kiosk - Kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
4. Mail-in Lockbox - Friends or Family who do not have a credit or debit card can mail money orders to their secure lockbox to make deposits to an inmate’s account. Depositors use a customized form that captures all needed information. Upon receipt, they process and post the deposits to the inmate's trust fund in approximately 48 hours.

Money orders may be mailed to inmates at:
Access Corrections
P.O. Box 12486
St. Louis, MO 63132

Money orders must be made out to "Access Secure Deposits".
Include the state, city, inmate name and ID number on all money orders.

5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Go to any Cash Pay Today location to deposit cash to your inmate's account.

Secure Deposits - Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Deposits - Video Tutorial on How it Works
Secure Deposits - Help Pages

Customer Service Contacts:
Phone: 866-345-1884
Emailcustomerservice@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.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How 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.
  • Services for Wake County inmates and their families and friends include Collect Calling, PIN Debits, Purchasing Calling Cards, Voicemail & Prepaid calls.  In addition, IC Solutions provides secure messaging, sending photos, video phone calls and online deposits for inmates and their families in Wake County.
  • Although rates are subject to change, they generally run about $0.21 per minute for phone calls.

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.

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Mailing an Inmate

How 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
The Wake County Detention Center 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 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
The Wake County Detention Center 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 Wake County Detention Center 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#
Wake County Detention Center
P.O. BOX 2479
Raleigh, NC 27602-2479

Wake County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Wake County Detention Center 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 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
The Wake County Detention Center 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 Wake County Detention Center 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#
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.

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Inmate Commissary

Can 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.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How 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 GTL 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
Watch this video on how to send a message.
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
Watch this video on how to upload a photo.
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
'Online' Contact Form, or
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 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
'Online' Contact Form, or
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.

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Inmate Tablets

Do 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 '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 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.

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Are there photos of the Wake County Detention Center? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Wake County

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

Wake County County Jails
Wake County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

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

Wake Chatham Harnett Durham Johnston Granville Franklin Nash
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Search for an Inmate in 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.