Craven County Police Records Search

Craven County police records are kept by the Sheriff's Office in New Bern, North Carolina. The county sits along the Neuse River in eastern North Carolina. The Sheriff's Office maintains an active bookings database and provides public counter access during business hours. You can search arrest records, criminal records, and inmate data through multiple online and in-person channels. This page covers all the ways to find police records in Craven County, including retention periods and request procedures.

Craven County Arrest Records

The Craven County arrest records system includes an active bookings database that updates regularly. The Sheriff's Office is at 1100 Clarks Road, New Bern, NC 28562. The phone number is (252) 636-6620. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

To submit a written request for arrest records, include the full name of the individual, date of birth or approximate age, date or approximate date of arrest, your contact information, and a copy of your identification. Under N.C.G.S. 132-6.2, agencies must respond as promptly as possible.

Online options include the active bookings database for current inmates, the NC DPS Offender Search for state prisoners, and the NC Court System for court case records. All three are free to use.

Craven County Criminal Records

The Craven County criminal records page outlines how long different types of police records are kept. North Carolina follows specific retention schedules set by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources under N.C.G.S. 121-5 and N.C.G.S. 132-8.

Key retention periods for Craven County police records include:

• Felony case records: kept permanently
• Misdemeanor cases: 10 years (DWI/DUI: 20 years, domestic violence: 25 years)
• Felony arrests: 20 years
• Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years
• Arrests not resulting in charges: 3 years
• Jail records: 7 years after release
• Booking photographs: 3 years

Expungement of criminal records is available under N.C.G.S. 15A-145 through 15A-146. Not all crimes are eligible for expungement. Sealed records are removed from public access but may still be available to law enforcement.

Craven County Sheriff Information

The Craven County Sheriff's Office provides police reports and arrest data. You can obtain police reports in person at 1100 Clarks Road, New Bern, NC 28562, or by calling (252) 636-6620. The Magistrate's Office can be reached at (252) 639-3015 or (252) 635-4843.

Criminal records in Craven County are open and accessible per the NC Freedom of Information Act. The NCSBI maintains the statewide sex offender registry, which you can search online. Inmate records hours at the detention facility are 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, and 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM on weekends.

The inmate search tool on the Sheriff's website lets you search by last name, inmate number, or date of birth. This covers current inmates only.

Historical Police Records

For historical police records from Craven County, send a written request to the Sheriff's Office. Address it to Craven County Sheriff, Att: Jail Records, 1100 Clarks Road, New Bern, NC 28562. Include specific details about the record you need.

The NC VINE program lets you check custody status and sign up for notifications. You can track inmate movements including transfers and releases. Notifications come by email, text, or phone. VINE covers over 2,900 jails and prisons across 48 states.

Record sealing through expungement requires a court order. Not all crimes qualify. The process starts at the Clerk of Court. Once a record is sealed, it is removed from public searches but still exists in law enforcement databases.

Craven County Public Records

Police records in Craven County are open and accessible per the NC Freedom of Information Act and N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. You can view records for free during business hours. Copies require a fee limited to the actual cost of reproduction. Agencies must respond to requests as promptly as possible.

Active investigation files are restricted under N.C.G.S. 132-1.4. Intelligence records, juvenile records, and certain personal data are also exempt from public access. The Sheriff's Office can advise you on what is available for your specific request.

The NC State Bureau of Investigation handles statewide criminal record checks for $14. The SBI also maintains the sex offender registry. Public access terminals at the Craven County Courthouse provide free court record searches. These self-service terminals cover all 100 North Carolina counties and are available during business hours. You can search criminal cases, traffic tickets, and civil matters by name or case number at no cost.

How to Request Craven Records

In-person visits to the Sheriff's Office at 1100 Clarks Road in New Bern are the most direct way to get police records. Bring a valid photo ID. The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Staff can search by name, date, or case number.

Mail requests should go to the Craven County Sheriff's Office at 1100 Clarks Road, New Bern, NC 28562. Include the full name of the individual, date of birth or approximate age, date or approximate date of arrest, your contact information, and a copy of your ID. Routine requests are processed promptly. Complex requests may take longer.

For historical jail records, address your request to Craven County Sheriff, Att: Jail Records, at the same address. Specify the time period and person you are looking for. Remember that booking photographs are only kept for 3 years and jail records are kept for 7 years after release.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Craven County. Police records are filed in the county where the arrest or incident happened.