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Mecklenburg County NC Jail Details & Overview

When a friend or loved one gets arrested and spends time in the Mecklenburg County Jail, learning about the operations and rules will help you avoid problems should you visit the jail, send mail, or pay bail. 

While you can learn information by visiting the sheriff’s website or calling the jail, we have compiled all the facts in one place so you can quickly find what you need to know. 

The History of Mecklenburg County Jail

Mecklenburg County Detention Center Central is a direct supervision facility that first opened its doors in 1997. Another construction phase began in 2002 and added a tower to the detention center. With the additional tower, the capacity of the jail rose to over 1,900. 

Mecklenburg County Detention Center Central is a pre-trial facility that includes the Arrest Processing Center. This jail also acts as a hub for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, with multiple groups and organizations working to support the operations. 

This detention center is the largest of its kind in both North Carolina and South Carolina. This detention center is fully accredited by the American Correction Association and has maintained its accreditation since 2003. 

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office operates two detention centers: the main and the juvenile center. The Mecklenburg County Jail focuses on providing drug and alcohol treatment, educational programs, and medical care to ensure the success of citizens reentering society. 

Mecklenburg County Jail Contact Information

The phone number for the Mecklenburg County Jail is (980) 314-5200. The jail is located at:

801 East Fourth Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

Mecklenburg County Jail Inmate Information

If you need to find any information on inmates in the Mecklenburg County Jail, having the correct information is essential for a fast process. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office operates a website that allows individuals to look up inmates 24/7 and even view jail mugshots in Mecklenburg County.

You can conduct a Mecklenburg County Jail inmate search online by putting in the first and last name and the PID or JID number. The website is updated in real-time, so the information you receive is current. If you have trouble accessing the site or finding information on an inmate, you can call the jail at (980) 314-5200.

Mecklenburg County Jail Inmate Programs

The Mecklenburg County Jail operates two facilities, one for adults and one for juveniles. The following are some of the key programs offered by the detention center. 

Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office Adult Programs Department

The goal of this program department is to bring about positive change in inmates to help them overcome their past and meet their goals for re-entering society. The department helps inmates with the following. 

  • Opportunities for personal growth
  • Determine educational and skill levels
  • Identify strengths and foster them
  • Development of individual goals
  • Reduce disciplinary infractions
  • Foster positive peer support
  • Promote critical thinking and reasoning skills
  • Promote personal achievement and leadership skills
  • Create teamwork atmospheres

Re-Entry Programs

Re-entry programs have been implemented to help inmates prepare for their release. The goal of these programs is to make better citizens, so inmates do not return to jail. Inmates can expect the following programs.

  • Commitment to Change
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Courage to Change
  • Anger Management
  • Bridges Out of Poverty
  • Domestic Violence
  • Fatherhood
  • Parenting
  • Manhood
  • Forgiveness
  • Life Skills
  • Substance Use Education
  • Wellness Recovery Action Plan

Vocational Programs

The Mecklenburg County Jail also operates extensive vocational programs to help inmates build job skills that will provide them with a brighter future upon release. The Vocational Resource Center is an excellent source for inmates and offers the following programs. 

  • Working Smart
  • Digital Literacy
  • Employment Readiness
  • Horticulture Program
  • National Center for Construction and Research
  • Servsafe and Culinary Apprentice Certificate
  • Library Assistant Vocational Training Class

Educational Programs

The Mecklenburg County Jail also provides extensive educational opportunities for inmates of all ages, including the following. 

  • Adult Basic Education Program
  • High School Equivalency Test
  • English as Second Language
  • Personal Tutoring

General Programs

In addition to the above, Mecklenburg County Jail inmates also have access to the following programs that can be helpful while they are incarcerated. 

  • Substance Use Program
  • STD Education
  • Law Library
  • Women’s Domestic Violence Awareness Class
  • Modern Art Program

Mecklenburg County Jail Commissary Services

Inmates may order from the commissary on Sunday and Tuesday. The hours of operation are:

  • 8:00AM-11:30AM
  • 1:00PM-4:30PM
  • 7:00PM-11:00PM

Inmates are allowed two weekly deliveries, and each cannot total over $50. No orders are accepted on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays. 

To receive their order, inmates must wear an ID bracelet. The inmate is required to sign for their order and check the contents. Once the inmate signs the receipt, they cannot make any returns or exchanges. 

Send a Package Online

Friends and loved ones can send packages to inmates at the Mecklenburg County Jail by visiting this website. You will need to register for an account and follow the directions to shop for a package. 

How to Deposit Money into an Inmate’s Account

If you would like to deposit money into an inmate's account, the process is easy. You will need to deposit money online by first registering for a Touch Pay Account. If you have any trouble using this online service, you can contact Touch Pay at [email protected]. 

Mecklenburg County Jail Visitation Rules

Like all jails and detention centers, the Mecklenburg County Jail has visitation rules that must be strictly followed by visitors. It is important to note that all inmates, regardless of their security levels, can receive the following visitors. 

  • Friends
  • Family
  • Attorneys
  • Clergy
  • Other authorized visitors

Inmates cannot have visitors if they are under disciplinary action. An inmate also has the right to refuse visitation. 

Hours of Visitation

  • 8:00AM-11:00AM
  • 1:00PM-4:00PM
  • 8:00PM-10:00PM

Visitation appointments must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Each visitor must present a state-issued driver’s license, military ID, international ID, or passport. The following are not accepted:

  • Cracked IDs
  • Taped IDs
  • Laminated IDs
  • Expired IDs
  • Altered IDs

Visitors should attempt to arrive early for their visitation. Visitors who are more than ten minutes late will not be allowed to visit. 

Each inmate is allowed one 25-minute visitation per week. Inmates are allowed a maximum of three visitors at one time, including children. A guardian must accompany all children under the age of 18. 

Prohibited Items

Do NOT bring the following with you to the visitation. 

  • Bags
  • Handbags
  • Backpacks
  • Knives
  • Pepper spray
  • Nail files
  • Weapons
  • Food and drink
  • Cell phones
  • Electronic devices
  • Matches or lighters
  • Tobacco products

All personal items must be secured in a locker prior to the visitation. Cell phones must be turned off completely before being placed in the locker. 

Visitation Dress Code

  • No halter tops, tube tops, bikini tops, or spaghetti string tops
  • No mini skirts or short shorts (skirts and shorts must reach mid-thigh)
  • No jeggings, leggings, or tights unless they are worn under an appropriate skirt
  • No hoodies
  • No face masks
  • No do-rags or hats

All pants and skirts must be worn around the waistline. No body parts can be exposed, and the visitor’s feet must remain on the floor at all times. 

The Mecklenburg County Jail staff reserve the right to refuse a visit or confiscate any inappropriate items. 

Mecklenburg County Jail Inmate Handbook

Each inmate is given access to a handbook that outlines the rules and regulations of the facility. You can read an online version of the handbook here, which offers inmates and their friends and loved ones a wealth of information.

Additional Resources

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Website
Mecklenburg County Courthouse Records