Mecklenburg County Jail-North

County Jail

Last Updated: February 23, 2025
Address
5235 Spector Dr, Charlotte, NC 28269
Beds
614
County
Mecklenburg
Phone
704-336-8100
Fax
704-336-7813

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Mecklenburg Co Jail North is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is TouchPay There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of Mecklenburg County Jail-North

You can support your loved ones at Mecklenburg Co Jail North on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 704-336-8100.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Mecklenburg Co Jail North is a detention center located at 5235 Spector Dr Charlotte, NC which is operated locally by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Mecklenburg County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Charlotte Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for North Carolina here.

Opened in 1994, this Direct Supervision Facility was designed to house 614 sentenced inmates, with a strong focus on inmate programming. The facility offers a range of educational and rehabilitative programs, including substance abuse education, life skills, domestic violence prevention, parenting, health education, and both GED and high school curricula, providing inmates with opportunities for personal development and skill-building.

In 2010, Jail North expanded to include a Vocational Training Building, Greenhouse, and a 108-bed Youthful Offender Housing Unit. Inmates can acquire horticulture and carpentry skills, which may help them transition into employment opportunities after release. The Youthful Offender Housing Unit provides a structured environment for 16- and 17-year-old inmates, focusing on education, counseling, and individualized care through smaller group housing.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Jail North also houses the main production kitchen, which operates using the cook-to-chill method, supplying meals to all of the Mecklenburg County Detention Facilities. The facility is home to the Sheriff's Office Training Academy, which offers Detention Officer Certification and in-service training for officers from Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office and surrounding law enforcement agencies. Inmates at Mecklenburg County Jail North are classified as minimum to medium security risks and may face county, state, or federal charges.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

For more detailed information on the rules and regulations of the facility, please download the 38-page MSDC Resident Handbook, available in Spanish and published by the Sheriff's Office.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in North Carolina. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Mecklenburg County Jail-North.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

MCSO VISITATION RULES

All residents, regardless of custody security level, are permitted to have visits with family, friends, attorneys, and other authorized officials, within the facilities, under conditions consistent with the security of those facilities, unless those privileges are suspended for disciplinary sanctions.
NOTE: A RESIDENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE REGULAR VISITATION.
HOURS: 8:00 AM-11:00 AM 1:00 PM-4:00 PM 8:00 PM-10:00 PM
ID Required: valid state-issued id, driver’s license, passport, military, or international id required. We will not accept any state-issued driver’s license, or id cards if they are cracked, expired, taped, faded, laminated or that appear to be altered.
Hours of visits must be scheduled no less than 24 hours in advance. Visits will automatically be canceled if the visitor arrives 10 minutes after the scheduled visitation time.

Opened in 1994, this Direct Supervision Facility was designed to house 614 sentenced inmates, with a strong focus on inmate programming. The facility offers a range of educational and rehabilitative programs, including substance abuse education, life skills, domestic violence prevention, parenting, health education, and both GED and high school curricula, providing inmates with opportunities for personal development and skill-building.

In 2010, Jail North expanded to include a Vocational Training Building, Greenhouse, and a 108-bed Youthful Offender Housing Unit. Inmates can acquire horticulture and carpentry skills, which may help them transition into employment opportunities after release. The Youthful Offender Housing Unit provides a structured environment for 16- and 17-year-old inmates, focusing on education, counseling, and individualized care through smaller group housing.

Jail North also houses the main production kitchen, which operates using the cook-to-chill method, supplying meals to all of the Mecklenburg County Detention Facilities. The facility is home to the Sheriff's Office Training Academy, which offers Detention Officer Certification and in-service training for officers from Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office and surrounding law enforcement agencies. Inmates at Mecklenburg County Jail North are classified as minimum to medium security risks and may face county, state, or federal charges.

PUBLIC/PERSONAL VISITATION:

Introducing WebRTC for Internet video visitation.

WebRTC is replacing the flash player technology currently in use. This will allow the use of an IOS device for both scheduling and conducting Internet video visits. Family/friends will no longer need to use the VisBridge application.

Using Safari, IOS users should navigate to https://mecklenburgcountync.gtlvisitme.com/app for scheduling and conducting Internet video visits.

Android Users will need to update to the latest version of the applications GTL – Schedule Visits (1 of 2) and GTL – Internet Visits (2 of 2). Users will also need to change auto-update to enabled instead of disabled.

WE RECOMMEND USING HEADPHONES FOR VIDEO VISITS TO ELIMINATE BACKGROUND NOISE AND IMPROVE AUDIO QUALITY.

Face-to-face visitation at the Mecklenburg County Detention Centers will resume on March 21, 2022. Each resident will receive two free 10-minute internet video calls per week, not on the same day. All internet video calls can be conducted via a webcam-enabled computer, or Android device, at the new rates of $6.25 for a 25-minute visit, or $2.50 for a 10-minute visit. Depending on availability, resident visits can be scheduled for any day of the week. Residents will also receive one (1) FREE 5-minute phone call a week. This is a permanent program.

Visit Restrictions: Visits may be less than 25 minutes due to facility emergencies, lockdowns or disciplinary reasons. Visits conducted via the MCSO Work Release and Restitution Center are limited to two adults and one child or one adult and two children (adults = 18 and over).

All Visits must be scheduled at least one day in advance but cannot be scheduled more than one week in advance. To schedule a visit please click the link below:

  • Register & Schedule a Visit
  • Please review all MCSO visitation guidelines before your visit.
  • If you have questions or problems scheduling a visit please call 855-208-7349

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Frequently Asked Questions

Mecklenburg County Jail-North - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Mecklenburg County Jail-North?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Mecklenburg County Jail-North, start by checking the facility’s online inmate search database, which is typically updated with recent booking information. If your search does not yield results, try using VINELink, a nationwide inmate locator that provides custody status for individuals in participating correctional facilities. If online searches are unsuccessful, calling Mecklenburg County Jail-North directly and providing the individual’s full name and date of birth is another reliable way to confirm their custody status. If all else fails, you can use the Arrest Record Finder for a small fee, which can provide broader search results across multiple jurisdictions. 

  2. What are the visitation hours at Mecklenburg County Jail-North?
    Visitation schedules vary by facility and housing unit. Some jails offer in-person visits on specific days, while others have transitioned to video visitation. Always check with the jail in advance, as visits may require scheduling and approval.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at Mecklenburg County Jail-North?
    Inmates can receive funds through various methods, including online deposits via jail-approved services, kiosks at the facility, or by mailing a money order. Some jails require funds to be added by specific family members or approved contacts.

  4. Can I call an inmate at Mecklenburg Co Jail North?
    Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, but they may initiate collect calls or use a prepaid account provided by the jail’s phone service provider. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, and inmates must adhere to time limits. Communication gets costly, you might qualify for discounts on inmate calls if your inmate is calling you a lot.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Mecklenburg Co Jail North?
    Approved items typically include letters, legal documents, and photographs. Some jails also permit care packages from authorized third-party vendors. Items such as greeting cards with glitter, stickers, or Polaroid photos may be prohibited.

  6. Are books and magazines allowed at Mecklenburg Co Jail North?
    Yes, inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors such as Amazon or InmateAid. Hardcover books and explicit content are typically prohibited to maintain facility security. Some jails also have restrictions on the number of reading materials an inmate can possess at one time.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates here?
    Each facility has a designated mailing address for inmate correspondence. It is important to include the inmate's full name, booking number (if applicable), and facility-approved format to ensure proper delivery. Mail containing contraband, including staples or stickers, may be rejected.

  8. What is the process for bonding someone out of Mecklenburg County Jail-North?
    Bail or bond amounts can be paid at the facility’s designated payment location, online, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Some jails accept cash, cashier’s checks, or credit card payments, while others require payments to be made at a county clerk’s office.

  9. How do I deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account at Mecklenburg Co Jail North?
    Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Deposits can be made online, at facility kiosks, or through phone services. Some facilities limit the amount that can be added per week.

  10. What clothing and personal items can an inmate have at Mecklenburg Co Jail North?
    Inmates are generally issued standard jail clothing. Personal items are often restricted, and necessary hygiene products must be purchased through commissary unless the inmate is deemed indigent. Some jails allow inmates to have religious items, such as prayer beads or a Bible.

  11. How long do inmates stay at Mecklenburg County Jail-North before being transferred?
    The length of stay varies based on the nature of their charges, sentencing, and case status. Some inmates serve their full sentences in county jail, while others may be transferred to a state or federal facility after sentencing.

  12. Can an inmate at Mecklenburg Co Jail North receive visits from children?
    Most jails allow minors to visit inmates but require them to be accompanied by a legal guardian. Some facilities impose restrictions based on the nature of the inmate's charges or have specific visitation hours for families with children.

  13. How can I schedule a visit with an inmate at Mecklenburg Co Jail North?
    Many jails require visitation to be scheduled in advance through an online portal or by phone. Some facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others enforce strict scheduling rules and background checks for visitors.

  14. What happens if an inmate gets sick or needs medical care at Mecklenburg Co Jail North?
    Jails provide basic medical care, and inmates can request medical attention as needed. Emergency cases are treated immediately, while routine care is provided through medical staff. Some jails charge small medical co-pays deducted from an inmate’s commissary funds.

  15. Can inmates work while incarcerated here?
    Some inmates qualify for work programs within the facility, such as kitchen duty, janitorial work, or laundry services. In some counties, low-risk inmates may participate in work-release programs that allow them to work in the community and return to jail afterward.

  16. How can I find court dates and case information for an inmate at Mecklenburg Co Jail North?
    Court dates and case details can usually be found through the county court website, public records, or by contacting the court clerk. Inmates are typically transported to court on scheduled hearing dates.

  17. What are the rules for inmate phone calls at Mecklenburg Co Jail North?
    Inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls must be made through facility-approved phone services, and any attempt to arrange three-way calls or circumvent restrictions may result in loss of phone privileges.

  18. Can an inmate be released early from Mecklenburg Co Jail North?
    Early release may be granted through good behavior, completion of rehabilitative programs, or at the discretion of the court. In some cases, inmates may qualify for electronic monitoring or house arrest programs.

  19. What types of rehabilitation programs are available at here?
    Many county jails offer educational programs, GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

  20. What are the consequences of bringing contraband into the jail?
    Introducing contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or cell phones, is a criminal offense and can lead to legal charges, visitation bans, or enhanced security measures within the jail.

  21. Are there special accommodations for disabled inmates at Mecklenburg County Jail-North?
    Yes, jails are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and medical care.

  22. How do I report an issue or concern about an inmate at Mecklenburg County Jail-North?
    Family members and advocates can report concerns to jail administration, a prisoner rights organization, or a legal representative. Some jails have grievance procedures inmates can follow if they experience mistreatment.

  23. Can an inmate at Mecklenburg Co Jail North receive religious services or counseling?
    Yes, most jails provide chaplain services, religious counseling, and access to faith-based programs. Some facilities have multi-denominational services or allow clergy members to visit inmates upon request.

  24. What are the disciplinary procedures at Mecklenburg Co Jail North?
    Inmates who violate jail rules may face disciplinary actions such as loss of privileges, placement in solitary confinement, or additional charges. Disciplinary hearings are typically conducted before penalties are imposed.

  25. How do I obtain an inmate’s release records from Mecklenburg County Jail-North?
    Release records may be available through the facility’s records department, the sheriff’s office, or the county clerk. Requests may require an application and a processing fee.

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