Watauga County, North Carolina Inmate Search
When law enforcement officers make an arrest in Watauga County, suspects are typically booked into the Watauga County Detention Center. Family and friends searching for a loved one may need to confirm whether they are in custody in the Watauga County Detention Center. In such cases, a Watauga County inmate search is advisable. The Detention Center provides an inmate search tool as part of its custody and control duties. The tool helps family members locate inmates housed there and get closure about their whereabouts. Using the tool legal counsel can plan to post bail for their release, having known the amount to be paid to the bondsman. It also helps other concerned parties to stay updated about an inmate's condition in custody.
Under the law, the county sheriff's office is required to maintain inmate records. These records are deemed public, except when specifically exempted by law or court ruling. Friends and family may find information such as where the arrestee is being held, their booking information, charges before them, bond or bail amount (where bail is granted), and other legally permitted information about their custodial status. However, under the North Carolina Public Records Act, certain sensitive details within the records are withheld or redacted.
Information in the jail roster is regularly updated to accurately represent the current custody status of inmates in the facility and made public. The detention center is managed by the Watauga County Sheriff's Office. Collaborating law enforcement agencies within the county have autonomy. Therefore, they maintain their separate records of arrests and investigations. They keep their own arrest logs, incident reports, and records. These records are publicly available on request, as required by the North Carolina Public Records Act.
Municipal police departments, namely Boone Police Department, Blowing Rock Police Department, Beech Mountain Police Department, and Seven Devils Police Department collaborate with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement in the county and are also authorized to make arrests. However, they do not maintain separate jail rosters.
Watauga County Sheriff's Office
184, Hodges Gap Road
Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 264-3761
Watauga County Detention Center
184, Hodges Gap Road
Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 265-7614
How to Find an Inmate in Watauga County Jail
The Watauga County Detention Center is the designated facility where arrestees are held before trial. Conducting a Watauga County Inmate Search is the best line of action for a quick custody check to verify if a loved one is in custody.
Family and friends can see details, such as individuals on the detention center's inmate list, along with basic booking details. Record seekers may search alphabetically or perform a name search using their first name and last name. Alternatively, they may call the detention center on (828) 265-7614 or visit the facility in person. When visiting, record seekers must have relevant information handy, such as the inmate's full legal name and their date of birth.
Watauga County Sheriff's Office
184, Hodges Gap Road
Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 264-3761
How to Use the Watauga County Jail Roster
Loved ones seeking custody details of an inmate in the Watauga County Detention Center, or trying to locate someone recently booked, may begin by visiting the Watauga County website. To use the Jail Roster, interested parties should follow these steps:
- Open a web browser and visit the county sheriff's website.
- From the county sheriff's website, locate the “Inmate Search” section
- Click on “Inmate Search”. This takes you to a fresh page where you can search for inmates. You may search by name or booking ID.
In the event that searchers cannot find the information they seek directly, they may contact the detention center at (828) 265-7614. Otherwise, they may schedule a visit to the county sheriff’s office in person during office hours (8 am to 4:30 am, Monday through Friday) at 184 Hodges Gap Road, Boone, NC 28607.
What Information is Included in the Watauga County Inmate Roster
The Watauga County inmate roster provides important details about individuals presently in custody. The following information is typically available in a Watauga County inmate roster:
- Full name: The inmate's full name, taken when they were booked
- Booking date and time: The exact date and time the individual was booked into custody.
- Booking number: The unique identifier given to the inmate during booking
- Charges: The specific charges against the accused individual, based on the arresting agency's report and formal complaint filed with the courts.
- Custody status: This shows if the individual is still in custody, has been transferred, or released.
- Housing unit: The specific unit within the facility where the inmate was assigned.
- Mugshot: Booking photograph
- Court date: The date of the next hearing, if scheduled.
- Bail or bond amount: Amount to be paid to the bondsman to secure the inmate’s release (if bail is available).
Although North Carolina's public records law provides the public access to jail records, the level of detail may vary depending on privacy considerations. For instance, personal information, such as Social Security numbers, medical records, and information that compromises the safety or privacy of crime victims may be redacted or withheld.
Contact Details for Watauga County Jail or Sheriff’s Office
Family and friends may want to arrange a visit, send money to their loved one in custody in the Watauga County Detention Center, or verify information in search results. The fastest way to get in touch with the Watauga County Detention Center is by calling the facility on (828) 265-7614. They may also visit the county sheriff's website to get up-to-date information about visitation, commissary services, and make further inquiries. The detention center is located at 184 Hodges Gap Road, Boone, NC 28607.
| Contact Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Jail / Corrections Address | 184 Hodges Gap Road, Boone, NC 28607 |
| Main Jail / Corrections Phone | (828) 265-7614 |
| Sheriff’s Office Website | Watauga County Sheriff’s Office |
| Sheriff’s Office Address | 184 Hodges Gap Road, Boone, NC 28607 |
| Visitation Information | Can be found via the county’s official inmate visitation page |
| len.hagaman@watgov.org | |
| Emergency Contact | (828) 265-7602 or 911 |
Jail Facility Overview in Watauga County
The Watauga County Detention Center is the main adult facility in the county. It is managed by the Watauga County Sheriff's Office.It houses adult male and female inmates with multiple security levels. It has a capacity of 106 inmates. Juvenile offenders are processed and managed through North Carolina's juvenile justice system. The detention center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
| Agency | Office and Mail Address | Phone Number | Office Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watauga County Sheriff's Office | 184 Hodges Gap Road, Boone, NC 28607 | (828) 264-3761 | 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays | len.hagaman@watgov.org |
| Watauga County Detention Center | 184 Hodges Gap Road, Boone, NC 28607 | (828) 265-7614 | 24 hours a day, full week | Send mails meant for the detention center to len.hagaman@watgov.org |
How to Send Money to an Inmate in Watauga County Detention Center
Friends and family may deposit money into the commissary account of an inmate housed at the Watauga County Detention Center.The facility partners with JailATM for commissary deposits. Interested parties who intend to send funds to an inmate's commissary account should follow these steps:
- Visit the JailATM Deposit Service portal
- Create an account
- Select Watauga County Detention Center
- Search for the inmate using their ID number or name
- Enter the amount you wish to deposit
- Complete the payment either by credit card or debit card
Inmates use funds in their commissary account for approved purchases at the facility. This includes personal items, hygiene products, phone calls, and other services. For details on commissary spending limits or current deposit limits and further inquiries, interested parties should contact the Watauga County Detention Center at (828) 265-7614.
Inmate Search by Jail Facility
Under the North Carolina Public Records Act, the Watauga County Sheriff's Office maintains a public jail roster. Searchers may find inmates booked into the Watauga County Detention Center using the jail roster. The roster does not include juvenile records, as juvenile offenders are managed through the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS). For juvenile offender information, or to locate a juvenile offender, call (919) 733-3388, or visit 3010 Hammond Business Place, Raleigh, NC 27603.
Inmates transferred to state prison after sentencing will not appear in the detention center's inmate roster. To get information about inmates transferred to the state facility, searchers may use the Offender Search tool provided by the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections (NDAC). Alternatively, they may visit the agency at 214 West Jones Street, Raleigh or call (919) 733-2126. Similarly, inquirers looking for inmate records for inmates serving time in a federal prison may conduct a name search using the BOP Inmate Locator tool.
| Agency | Office and Mail Address | Phone Number | Office Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watauga County Sheriff's Office | 184 Hodges Gap Road, Boone, NC 28607 | (828) 264-3761 | 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays | len.hagaman@watgov.org |
| Watauga County Detention Center | 184 Hodges Gap Road, Boone, NC 28607 | (828) 265-7614 | 24 hours a day, full week | Send mails meant for the detention center to len.hagaman@watgov.org |
Watauga County Visitation Rules and Schedules
The Watauga County Detention Center encourages families or loved ones to visit inmates housed within the facility. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list, and visits are limited to one visit per week with up to two guests per inmate. Visitors must have a valid government-issued photo ID. They may schedule a visit by calling (828) 265-7614. The visitation time available to a particular inmate depends on the inmate's housing unit.
The following dress and behavioral rules apply:
- Visitors should wear appropriate, non-revealing clothing and behave respectfully throughout the visit.
- Offensive imagery and attire resembling gang-related attire are prohibited.
- Disruptive behavior may lead to termination of visit and suspension of the visitation privilege.
Standard Visitation Schedule
| Type of Visit | Days available | Hours | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-site video visitation | Monday to Sunday | 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Visitors must schedule an appointment in advance and provide proper photo identification. |
| Remote/online video visitation | Monday to Sunday | Scheduled appointments during available visitation periods | Visitors can schedule video visits online through the jail's video-visitation service. Appointments may be scheduled up to one week in advance. |
| Attorney or legal | Monday to Friday | Not restricted to regular visitation hours | Attorneys should contact the Watauga County Detention Center at (828) 265-7614 for arrangements. |
Mailing and Commissary Information | Watauga County Jail
The Watauga County Detention Center encourages family members and friends to send approved correspondence to inmates in custody. The detention center is located at 184 Hodges Gap Road, Boone, NC 28607. Loved ones may reach the detention center at (828) 265-7614 if they are unsure about a type of mail or correspondence.
Personal mail should include the inmate's full name and ID number, followed by the facility's address. It should also include a return address with the sender's name.
Mail to:
Inmate full name, inmate ID number,
Watauga County Detention Center,
184 Hodges Gap Road,
Boone, NC 28607
Generally accepted correspondence includes regular letters, approved postcards, plain greeting cards, photographs, and printed material (subject to facility rules).
The following items are prohibited:
- Cash
- Personal checks
- Stamps
- Glitter or confetti
- Crayons or markers
- Perfumes
- Lipsticks
- Obscene or sexually explicit material
- Packages or care items not obtained through an approved vendor
Loved ones are encouraged to send commissary funds through the approved vendor, JailATM, the detention center's official partner for commissary deposits. Do not send cash or personal checks inside an inmate's regular correspondence. For further inquiries, families should call (828) 265-7614 before sending unusual items.