Watauga County Detention Center

Search for an Inmate in Watauga County

Watauga County Detention Center Information

Located in Boone, Watauga County, North Carolina, the Watauga County Detention Center is a 106-bed facility. You can call them anytime for inmate information at 828-265-7614.

This facility handles offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies, who are brought here for booking and processing. Depending on their charges, inmates may remain in custody until they are either bonded out, released on recognizance, or held until their trial is completed.

The inmate search tool can be used to view the jail's roster and find out who is in custody.

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

This page provides information on a range of inmate services, including the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, sending mail, phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.

It’s a good idea to keep the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for future communication needs. If it’s not available online, call Watauga County Detention Center at 828-265-7614 for further assistance.

Phone: 828-265-7614

Physical Address:
184 Hodges Gap Road
Boone, NC 28607

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Watauga County Detention Center
184 Hodges Gap Road
Boone, NC 28607

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Watauga County Detention Center
184 Hodges Gap Road
Boone, NC 28607

Other Jails and Prisons

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

To search for an inmate in the Watauga 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 828-265-7614 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 Watauga County.

Watauga County Detention Center Inmate Search

The Watauga County Detention Center maintains an average of 106 offenders in custody on any given day. The Watauga 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 Watauga County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 2,120 offenders.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
About the Watauga County Detention Center

Housing both the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and the 106-bed Watauga County Detention Center, this building with colored brick and concrete grey, is built to house both felony and misdemeanor arrests until the trial or for only short periods of a sentence.

To determine the status of an inmate the online database is updated frequently or you may call the staff at 828-265-7614.

Upon arrival inmates are booked and provided with a phone call to update family, friends, employers, or their attorney to make arrangements for bail or missed work. Those who are incarcerated will have access to necessary medical care and will be able to access mental health care.

Meals are provided three times each day, along with laundry, recreation time, social opportunities, and opportunities to continue communication with both friends and family who are not currently incarcerated.

Inmates will also receive support through deposits to their account for commissary and other uses. and they are able to access phones for prepaid or collect calls.

Visits are scheduled on Saturday 8:30am-5:40pm and Sunday 12:30pm-4:30pm, with specific times in those periods set for each housing unit. To determine the correct time and day for you to visit, contact Watauga County Detention Center at 828-265-7614.  

Watauga County is located in western North Carolina in the Appalachian Mountain chain. The center is in Boone. The center was built in 1994 and can hold 106 inmates comfortably. 

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Recent Bookings & Arrests

How booking works at Watauga County Detention Center

When someone is arrested, they are taken to Watauga County Detention Center for booking. This process includes identifying them, deciding on charges, and determining if they will be eligible for bail or held until court.

It's important to stay silent during this process, as any statements made may be used in court. Legal advice should be sought before speaking about the case.

The following steps make up the booking process at Watauga County Detention Center:

  • Verification of personal details.
  • Taking mugshots for identification purposes.
  • Health assessments and questions about criminal history.
  • Possible DNA collection if required.
  • Search of the individual.
  • Confiscation of personal property.
  • Providing a phone call.

The duration of booking can vary, taking between one and 48 hours. For more information on paying an arrestee’s bond, contact Watauga County Detention Center at 828-265-7614.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Directions / Map to the Watauga County Detention Center
Inmate Bail and Bonding

Paying bail for someone in Watauga County

After being arrested and booked into Watauga County Detention Center in Boone, the arrestee's situation will proceed in one of three ways:

1. They may be released without bail and required to attend a court hearing.
2. They may be held in custody until their court date.
3. Bail can be posted for their release; call 828-265-7614 for the exact bail amount.

There are multiple ways to pay bail.

  • Cash, credit cards, or money orders are acceptable forms of payment.
  • Licensed bail bond agents in Watauga County can facilitate the process.
  • Collateral in the form of property within the county can be used for bail.

To get more information on the bail process in Watauga County, North Carolina, visit the Watauga County Detention Center Bail FAQ.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Watauga County Detention Center? What is the Schedule?

Watauga County Detention Center ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

184 Hodges Gap Road
Boone, NC 28607
828-265-7614

  • Visits are 30 minutes.
  • You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
  • The actual visitation times depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 828-265-7614 and get your inmate's times.
  • Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
  • Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
  • Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 828-265-7614 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 12:30 P.M. and 4:30 P.M.
SATURDAY 8:30 A.M. to 5:40 P.M.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watauga County Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-265-7614 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Remote Video Visitation

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watauga County Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-265-7614 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Watauga County Detention Center?

Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: Watauga County Detention Center may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.

1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.

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

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

  • Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
  • Select North Carolina, then Watauga County Detention Center, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
  • Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
  • Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
  • Maximum spend is $125.00.
  • NOTE: Watauga County Detention Center may at times only allow online deposits for your inmate to purchase their own commissary locally. 

For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Watauga County Detention Center, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Watauga County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watauga County Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-265-7614 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Watauga County Detention Center?

How Do Inmates in Watauga County Detention Center Make Phone Calls?

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

  • Watauga County Detention Center uses the services of a company named Inmate Sales.
  • Register with them online or call them at 877-998-5678
  • Agents are available M-F from 8:00 AM - 12:00 midnight EST, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and speak both English & Spanish.
  • Services for Watauga County inmates and their families and friends include: Collect Calling, PIN Debit, Purchasing Calling Cards, Deposits, Messaging & Video Visitation.

iphone app
Google Play app

For all the information regarding phone calls with Watauga 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 Watauga County Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-265-7614 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Mailing an Inmate

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

Watauga County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Watauga 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 Watauga 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#
Watauga County Detention Center
184 Hodges Gap Road
Boone, NC 28607



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Watauga County Detention Center
184 Hodges Gap Road
Boone, NC 28607



Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the 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 Watauga 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 noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Watauga County Detention Center standards will be disposed of. 
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#
Watauga County Detention Center
184 Hodges Gap Road
Boone, NC 28607

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watauga County Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-265-7614 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Commissary

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

Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select North Carolina, then Watauga County Detention Center, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
5. Maximum spend is $125.00.

Inmate Canteen has a selection of hundreds of items available to purchase for inmates in Watauga County. 
The items range from candy, snacks, coffee and other drinks, undergarments, stationary supplies and more. 



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

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

  • Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
  • Select North Carolina, then Watauga County Detention Center, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
  • Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
  • Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
  • Maximum spend is $125.00.

For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Watauga County Detention Center, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Watauga County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watauga County Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-265-7614 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Texting and Emailing an Inmate

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

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Watauga County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Watauga County Detention Center follow these steps:

  • Register with Inmate Canteen to create an account or log in if you already have one.
  • Select North Carolina, then select Watauga County Detention Center, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Add money to your account.
  • Verify your email.
  • Send message.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your Watauga County inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Watauga County Detention Center, the costs, rules, policies and more check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Watauga County.


 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watauga County Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-265-7614 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Watauga County Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watauga County Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 828-265-7614 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Are there photos of the Watauga County Detention Center? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

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

Watauga Avery Ashe Wilkes Caldwell Johnson
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Search for an Inmate in Watauga County

This facility, known as "Watauga County Detention Center" is also known as Watauga County Jail, Watauga County Jail , Watauga County Jail , North Carolina, Watauga.