Durham County Jail, officially known as the Durham County Detention Facility, is a secure correctional center in Durham, North Carolina. It is operated by the Durham County Sheriff’s Office and serves as the primary holding facility for individuals arrested in Durham County. The jail houses people awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to state prisons. It also holds those serving short-term sentences of up to 90 days. The facility prioritizes safety, security, and rehabilitation. It provides essential services like medical care, mental health support, education, and vocational training. Families and friends can stay connected through visitation, phone calls, and mail. The jail maintains a public inmate roster and offers online tools to search for inmates, check booking details, and learn about release dates. This page gives clear, up-to-date information on how the jail works, what services are available, and how the public can interact with the facility.
Durham County Jail Location and Contact Information
The Durham County Detention Facility is located at 219 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701. It sits in downtown Durham, near the courthouse and other government buildings. This central location makes it easy for legal professionals, families, and law enforcement to access. The main phone number for the jail is (919) 560-0600. Calls are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For inmate-specific questions, the booking office can be reached at (919) 560-0912. The official website is run by Durham County Government and provides access to the inmate roster, visitation scheduling, and online services. Visitors should call ahead or check the website before visiting, as hours and policies may change due to security or health reasons.
Durham County Jail Inmate Search and Roster
Finding an inmate at Durham County Jail is simple using the official inmate search tool. The jail maintains a public roster updated daily with current detainees. Anyone can search by name or inmate ID number. The search tool shows key details like full name, booking date, charges, bond amount, court dates, and expected release. This helps families, lawyers, and community members stay informed. The roster is available online 24/7 through the Durham County Sheriff’s Office website. It is free to use and requires no login. For those without internet access, the jail provides a public kiosk in the lobby. Staff can also assist with phone inquiries during business hours. Always double-check spelling when searching, as small errors can prevent results.
How to Use the Inmate Lookup System
Start by visiting the Durham County Detention Facility page on the official county website. Look for the “Inmate Roster” link. Click it to open the search tool. Enter the inmate’s first and last name or their unique ID number. Press search to view results. The system displays all matching records with basic information. Click on a name to see more details. If no results appear, try a partial name or known alias. You can also call (919) 560-0912 to speak with booking staff. Have the inmate’s full name and date of birth ready. For legal representatives, additional verification may be required. The system updates every few hours, so recent bookings may take time to appear.
What Information Is Available
The inmate roster includes the following details for each person in custody:
- Full legal name
- Date and time of booking
- Current charges and case status
- Bail or bond amount (if set)
- Next court date and location
- Housing location within the facility
- Expected release date (for sentenced inmates)
This information helps families plan visits, post bail, or prepare for court. It also supports legal teams in tracking case progress. All data is public record unless sealed by a judge.
Durham County Jail Visitation Hours and Rules
Visitation at Durham County Jail is allowed Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. All visits must be scheduled in advance. Walk-ins are not permitted. Visitors must register online or call the visitation office at least 24 hours before the visit. Each inmate is allowed one 30-minute visit per week. Up to two adults can visit at the same time. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All visitors must bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Minors need a birth certificate or school ID.
Visitation Guidelines
Visitors must follow strict rules to ensure safety. Dress code is enforced: no shorts, tank tops, hats, sunglasses, or clothing with offensive language. Shoes must be worn at all times. Bags, phones, cameras, and food are not allowed in the visitation area. All visitors go through a security screening, including a metal detector and bag check. Refusal to comply results in denied entry. Visits may be recorded for security purposes. Inmates in disciplinary segregation or medical isolation may have limited or no visitation rights. Virtual visits are available for those who cannot come in person. These are scheduled the same way and last 20 minutes.
Durham County Jail Inmate Mail and Communication
Inmates can send and receive mail while in custody. All mail is screened for contraband. Letters must be written on plain white paper in blue or black ink. Envelopes should include the inmate’s full name, ID number, and the jail’s address. Do not send cash, stamps, stickers, or Polaroid photos. These items will be returned or destroyed. Magazines, books, and newspapers must come directly from publishers or approved vendors. No used books are allowed.
How to Send Mail
Address mail as follows:
Inmate’s Full Name
Inmate ID Number
Durham County Detention Facility
219 W Main St
Durham, NC 27701
Mail is processed within 24 to 48 hours. Inmates receive their mail during designated times. Rejected items are logged and may be reviewed by staff. Family members can also send email through the jail’s secure messaging system. This requires setting up an account with the approved vendor. Messages are screened before delivery. Inmates can reply using the same system. Phone calls are another option. Inmates can make outgoing calls to pre-approved numbers. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and may be monitored. Families can add funds to an inmate’s phone account online or at the jail kiosk.
Durham County Jail Commissary and Inmate Accounts
Inmates can purchase items from the jail commissary using funds in their account. Commissary orders are placed weekly and delivered to housing units. Available items include snacks, hygiene products, writing supplies, and approved clothing. Popular snacks are chips, candy, coffee, and soft drinks. Hygiene items include toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and deodorant. Inmates can also buy socks, undershirts, and envelopes. Prices are posted in each housing unit. Orders are limited to prevent hoarding.
How to Add Money to an Inmate Account
Family and friends can deposit money in three ways:
- Online through the jail’s payment partner website
- At the kiosk in the jail lobby using cash or card
- By mailing a money order to the jail address
Personal checks and cash sent by mail are not accepted. All deposits are processed within 24 hours. Funds can be used for commissary, phone calls, or medical co-pays. Balances carry over if an inmate is transferred. Refunds are issued upon release. Always include the inmate’s full name and ID number with the deposit.
Durham County Jail Bail and Release Process
Bail allows an inmate to be released before trial by posting a set amount of money. The judge sets bail during the first court appearance. The amount depends on the charges, criminal history, and flight risk. Bail can be paid in cash, by credit card, or through a bail bondsman. Payments are made at the jail or online. Once bail is posted, the inmate is processed for release. This takes 1 to 4 hours, depending on workload. The inmate must sign release papers and may be required to wear an ankle monitor.
Bail Bonds
If the bail amount is too high, a bail bondsman can help. The bondsman charges a non-refundable fee, usually 10% of the bail. They post the full amount on behalf of the inmate. If the inmate fails to appear in court, the bondsman may hire a bounty hunter. Only licensed bondsmen can operate in North Carolina. Always verify credentials before paying. The jail cannot recommend a specific bondsman.
Durham County Jail Inmate Services and Programs
The jail offers many services to support inmates’ health and rehabilitation. Medical care is provided 24/7. Upon intake, each inmate gets a health screening. Doctors, nurses, and mental health staff are on-site. Chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension are managed. Prescriptions are filled and administered daily. Dental and vision care are available for urgent needs. Mental health services include counseling, therapy groups, and substance abuse treatment. Inmates with depression, anxiety, or addiction can get help.
Education and Vocational Training
Educational programs help inmates prepare for life after release. GED classes are offered to those without a high school diploma. Tutors assist with reading, math, and test prep. Vocational training includes carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and computer skills. These programs teach job-ready skills. Some inmates qualify for work release, allowing them to work in the community during the day and return to jail at night. This helps build work history and earn income. All programs are voluntary and require good behavior.
Durham County Jail Security and Safety
Safety is a top priority at Durham County Jail. The facility uses 24/7 surveillance with high-definition cameras. Every area is monitored, including hallways, cells, and common spaces. Inmates are classified by risk level. Low-risk inmates may live in dorm-style housing. High-risk inmates are placed in individual cells with extra supervision. Staff receive regular training in crisis management, de-escalation, and emergency response. The jail has protocols for fires, medical emergencies, and disturbances. Regular drills keep everyone prepared.
Inmate Rights and Grievances
Inmates have the right to file a grievance if they have a complaint. This can be about food, medical care, staff behavior, or living conditions. Grievances are submitted in writing to the housing officer. They are reviewed within 72 hours. If unresolved, the inmate can appeal to the warden. The jail must respond in writing. Legal resources are available. Inmates can request law books or contact a public defender. Religious services are offered weekly. Chaplains from different faiths visit regularly.
Durham County Jail History and Community Role
Durham County Jail has served the community since 1895. It started as a small lockup and grew into a modern detention center. Over the years, it has adapted to new laws and social changes. Today, it focuses on rehabilitation, not just punishment. The jail works with local schools, nonprofits, and law enforcement. It hosts educational tours for students and community groups. These visits help people understand the justice system. The jail also supports victim assistance programs. It partners with organizations that help crime victims and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about Durham County Jail. Below are answers to the most common ones. These cover inmate search, visitation, mail, bail, and services. The information is based on current policies and official sources.
How do I find out if someone is in Durham County Jail?
Use the inmate search tool on the Durham County Sheriff’s Office website. Enter the person’s full name or ID number. The roster shows current inmates, booking dates, charges, and court info. If you can’t find them online, call the booking office at (919) 560-0912. Have the person’s name and date of birth ready. The roster updates several times a day, so recent bookings may take a few hours to appear.
Can I visit an inmate on weekends?
No, visitation is only available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Weekend visits are not allowed. All visits must be scheduled in advance. You can book online or by calling the visitation office. Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Only two adults can visit at once. Children must be with a parent or guardian. Bring a valid ID and follow the dress code.
How do I send money to an inmate?
You can send money online, at the jail kiosk, or by mailing a money order. Online deposits are fastest. Use the jail’s payment partner site and enter the inmate’s name and ID. Kiosk payments accept cash or card and are available 24/7 in the lobby. Money orders must be made payable to the inmate and sent to the jail address. Do not send cash or personal checks. All deposits post within 24 hours.
What happens during the booking process?
Booking starts when a person is arrested. They are brought to the jail and searched. Fingerprints and a mugshot are taken. Personal items are stored. A health screening is done. The person is placed in a holding cell. Charges are entered into the system. Bail is set at the first court hearing. The whole process takes 2 to 6 hours. The inmate is then moved to their housing unit.
Are mugshots public record?
Yes, mugshots taken during booking are public record in North Carolina. They can be requested through a public records request. Some websites publish them online. If charges are dropped or the person is found not guilty, they may request removal from certain sites. This often requires legal help. The jail does not control third-party sites.
What programs are available for inmates?
Inmates can join GED classes, vocational training, and mental health counseling. Programs include carpentry, plumbing, computer skills, and substance abuse treatment. Work release is available for eligible inmates. These programs aim to reduce reoffending and help with reintegration. Participation is voluntary and based on behavior and classification.
How do I file a complaint about jail conditions?
Inmates can file a grievance using the form in their housing unit. Staff must respond within 72 hours. If not satisfied, the inmate can appeal to the warden. Family members cannot file grievances for inmates. For serious concerns, contact the Durham County Sheriff’s Office or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Durham County Detention Facility
219 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 560-0600
Website: https://www.dconc.gov/government/departments-services/sheriff-s-office/durham-county-detention-facility
Visitation Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM