Wilmington Detention Record Lookup
Wilmington jail mugshots are public records managed by the New Hanover County Sheriff and the Wilmington Police Department. Wilmington is a port city in southeastern North Carolina with about 120,000 residents. Chief Donny Williams leads WPD from 615 Bess St. New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon runs the detention center at 3950 Juvenile Center Rd in Castle Hayne. All booking photographs taken at the county jail are available for public review under North Carolina's public records laws.
Wilmington Jail Mugshots Quick Facts
Wilmington Jail Mugshots Overview
The New Hanover County Sheriff operates the detention center that processes all Wilmington bookings. Sheriff Ed McMahon oversees the facility at 3950 Juvenile Center Rd, Castle Hayne NC. You can reach the sheriff at (910) 798-4200. When Wilmington police arrest someone, the person is transported to this facility.
During booking, a mugshot is taken. Staff also record charges, bond, and personal details. These records stay on file and can be accessed by anyone under state law. The detention center handles bookings for Wilmington and all other municipalities in New Hanover County.
WPD also has a Marine Patrol unit that handles waterway enforcement in the port area. Arrests by this unit follow the same booking process at the county jail. All records are available through the same channels.
Search Wilmington Booking Records
The New Hanover County Sheriff provides an online inmate lookup. This tool shows people currently held at the detention center. Search by name to find booking photos and charge information from Wilmington arrests. It is free to use and updated regularly.
For older records, submit a request to the sheriff's office. Under G.S. 132-1, booking photos are public records. You can ask for them in writing or visit in person. Include the full name and approximate arrest date when you submit your request. In-person inspection is free. Copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5 under G.S. 132-6.2.
Additional search options include:
- Contact WPD records at 910-343-3600 for arrest reports
- Visit the sheriff's office at nhcgov.com/sheriff
- Search the NC DPS offender database
- Check NC Courts for case details
Wilmington Mugshots and Public Records Law
Jail mugshots in Wilmington are governed by North Carolina's Public Records Act. G.S. 132-1 makes booking photographs available to any person. The New Hanover County Sheriff must respond to valid requests within a reasonable time.
Law enforcement may withhold records connected to active investigations under G.S. 132-1.4. After the investigation ends, the records are usually released. Juvenile records are protected by G.S. 7B-3000. Mugshots of people under 18 are not released to the public.
Expungement under G.S. 15A-145.5 can remove a booking record from public access. If a Wilmington arrest is expunged by court order, the sheriff removes the mugshot from the public system. This means the record no longer appears in searches.
Wilmington Police Department Arrest Data
The Wilmington Police Department handles most arrests in the city. Chief Donny Williams leads the department from 615 Bess St, Wilmington NC 28401. WPD officers patrol the city and make arrests. After an arrest, the person goes to the New Hanover County jail for booking.
| Agency | Wilmington Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 615 Bess St Wilmington, NC 28401 |
| Chief | Donny Williams |
| Non-Emergency | 910-343-3600 |
| Website | wilmingtonnc.gov/departments/police |
WPD keeps arrest reports and incident records. The booking mugshot is held by the New Hanover County Sheriff. For the photo, contact the sheriff at (910) 798-4200. Both agencies follow G.S. 132-1 for public records requests.
State Resources for Wilmington Records
State agencies hold records tied to Wilmington arrests. The NC Department of Public Safety manages state prison records. The State Bureau of Investigation keeps statewide criminal history data. The NC Sheriffs' Association lists all county sheriff contacts.
The NC General Statutes contain the full text of public records laws. The NC Courts system tracks case outcomes for New Hanover County.
New Hanover County Jail Mugshots
Wilmington is in New Hanover County. All booking photos for Wilmington arrests are processed at the county detention center in Castle Hayne. The county handles bookings for Wilmington and all other municipalities within its borders.