Wake County NC Jail Details & Overview

Wake County operates two county jails. If you have a friend or family member that is being held in one of the facilities, you need to learn about the rules and regulations and how to send mail, money, or visit an inmate. 

We have gathered extensive information to provide friends and family with answers to their questions. We hope this information will give you peace of mind and assist you in conducting any business with the Wake County Detention Center.

About the Wake County Detention Center

The Wake County Detention Center has a combined inmate capacity of 1,568. The detention center employs approximately 425 part-time and full-time employees. 

The Wake County Detention Center provides meals, security, and housing for inmates in the pre-trial period or those serving sentences of a year or less. 

The in-house inmate population fluctuates from day to day. Inmate population lows are around 1,123 and rise as high as 1,580. The following are some of the policies for the Wake County Detention Center. 

• Inmates are not served coffee while being housed in the Wake County Detention Center.
• Inmates may exercise in the recreation yard or their cells, but the Detention Center will not provide weights or workout equipment.
• Inmates will work in housekeeping or maintenance.
• Inmates are served three meals daily that do not include pork or pork products.
• Inmates are not allowed to smoke, and no tobacco products are allowed inside the Detention Center.
• Medical Staff is on duty 24 hours a day.

Contact Information for the Wake County Detention Center

The phone number for the Wake County Detention Center is (919) 773-7930, and the physical address is located at:

3301 Hammond Rd

Raleigh, NC 27610

How to Search for Inmates at the Wake County Detention Center

If you would like to conduct a Wake County Jail inmate search online, you may visit the North Carolina Department of Safety Website to view public offender information 24 hours a day. You can also view jail mugshots in Wake county.

How to Send Mail to an Inmate in the Wake County Detention Center

If you would like to send mail to an inmate, there are a few things you need to know to ensure you follow the rules. The address for sending inmate mail is:

Wake County Detention Center

P.O. BOX 2479

Raleigh, NC 27602-2479

Please include the full name of the inmate and their ID number. Please include the sender’s full name and return address. 

• Letters, postcards, and greeting cards should not contain sexual content, nudity, gang materials, drugs or alcohol, or other inflammatory materials.
• Do NOT send any contraband, or it will be seized, and you could be prosecuted.
• Do not send inmate packages.
• The Wake County Detention Center reserves the right to refuse any mail and return it to the sender. 
• Books and publications must be sent directly from the bookstore or publisher.
• Do NOT send cash to inmates.

How to Visit an Inmate in the Wake County Detention Center

If you would like to visit an inmate, you may schedule a video visitation. All video visitations must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance and are conducted at the Wake County Detention Center on 3301 Hammond Road, Raleigh. 

All video visitations are carefully monitored and recorded. 

Visiting Hours

Monday 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

No visits will be permitted on Wake County holidays. To schedule an inmate visitation, call 919-857-9103. You may schedule an appointment Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Rules for Visitation

Like all jail facilities, the Wake County Detention Center has specific rules that inmates and visitors must follow. Failure to comply with the rules will result in the termination of your visit and the possible loss of visit privileges.

• Each inmate will be allowed two visitors per week. Both visitors MUST visit at the same time. 
• Each visitation session lasts up to 30 minutes.
• Visitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or adult.
• All visitors 16 and over must present a government-issued photo ID.
• You cannot bring inmate property or money to the visitation.
• Visitors caught attempting to bring contraband into the Detention Center will be prosecuted.
• All visitors must comply with the dress code before being allowed to enter the Detention Center.
• Visitors who appear under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to visit inmates.
• Visitors who are disruptive will not be allowed to visit inmates.
• Once the visitation time expires, visitors must promptly leave the Detention Center when prompted by the correctional officers.
• Only registered visitors may visit. If a visitor refuses to give information to the correctional officer, they will be denied visitation.
• Wake County Detention Center staff reserve the right to refuse visitation to any visitor for any reason deemed necessary for the safety of inmates and staff.

How to Send Money to Inmates in the Wake County Detention Center

If you would like to deposit funds into an inmate's account, you need to be aware of the available options. The most convenient method is via the kiosks located in the lobby on the first floor. These kiosks are located near the visitation glass windows.

To deposit money into an inmate’s account, you can use cash, debit cards, or credit cards. The deposited funds are generally available to the inmate within an hour.

You may also deposit money into an inmate’s account through the mail. You can send the following to fund an inmate’s account.

• United States Postal Service Money Order
• Certified Cashier’s Check
• Payroll Check

All money orders, payroll checks, and cashier’s checks will be held in escrow for 14 days until they clear. The inmate will not have access to the funds until they clear. No personal checks are accepted. 

Inmate Medical Services at the Wake County Detention Center

The Wake County Detention Center offers medical, dental, and mental health services to all inmates. No inmates will be refused medical services because of a lack of funds. Medical staff is available 24/7 for all medical-related inmate care.