Mecklenburg County Detention Center
Find messaging, video, and phone options for Mecklenburg County Detention Center. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- County Facility
- Security Level
- Pretrial / Sentenced
- Inmate Capacity
- 1,904 approx.
- Established
- 1997
- Operated By
- Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office
Mecklenburg County Detention Center Inmate Communication Overview
Mecklenburg County Detention Center, often called Detention Center Central, is operated by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office and located in uptown Charlotte. It is the largest municipal detention facility in North or South Carolina and processes bookings from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and other agencies across the county. Most people held here are in pretrial status awaiting court dates, while others are serving shorter sentences for misdemeanor charges.
Families can reach someone at the facility through two providers. GettingOut handles electronic messaging, digital photo sharing, and money transfers, all through one online account. Securus handles phone calls and video visitation. To message someone, create a GettingOut account and search by name and booking number. To talk by phone, fund a Securus account so you can accept calls from the jail's phone system. Video visits through Securus can typically be scheduled in advance from home.
Charlotte is a large, growing city, and the detention center sits close to the county courthouse, which makes coordinating court dates and legal visits more straightforward for local families. People convicted of felony charges and sentenced to state prison time are transferred to a North Carolina Department of Adult Correction facility, where the communication provider setup is different from the county jail.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Address
801 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Main Phone
(980) 314-5200
Administrative line — not for inmate calls
Official Website
Visit official siteCommunication Options
Available communication services at Mecklenburg County Detention Center.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: GettingOut
Messages are reviewed by facility staff before delivery.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: Securus
Schedule video visits in advance through your Securus account.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Provider: GettingOut
Digital photos can be added to messages sent through GettingOut.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: Securus
Fund a Securus account to accept calls from the facility.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: GettingOut
Add commissary funds through the GettingOut app or website.
Communication Providers at Mecklenburg County Detention Center
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
GettingOut
Handles messaging, photo sharing, and money transfers for Mecklenburg County Detention Center.
View GettingOut ServicesSecurus
Handles phone calls and video visitation for Mecklenburg County Detention Center.
View Securus ServicesCommunication Rules at Mecklenburg County Detention Center
- GettingOut handles messaging, photos, and money. Securus handles phone and video.
- All communication is subject to review and monitoring by facility staff.
- You need the inmate's full name and booking number to locate their account.
- Video visits should be scheduled in advance through Securus.
- After transfer to a North Carolina Department of Adult Correction facility, a different provider setup applies.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — Mecklenburg County Detention Center
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do I message someone at Mecklenburg County Detention Center?
- Create a GettingOut account online or through the app. Search for the person using their name and booking number, then send your message. Expect a short review period before delivery.
- How do I call someone at the Mecklenburg County jail?
- Set up a prepaid account with Securus and add funds. This allows you to accept calls placed from the facility's phone system.
- Can I schedule a video visit at Mecklenburg County Detention Center?
- Yes. Log into your Securus account, search for the facility, and choose an available time slot. It helps to book a day or two ahead.
- How do I find out if someone is in custody at the Mecklenburg County jail?
- The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search tool at mecksheriff.com. You can search by name to confirm current custody status.
- What happens after someone is sentenced to state prison from Mecklenburg County?
- People sentenced to felony prison time are transferred to a North Carolina Department of Adult Correction facility. Check the new facility's communication setup right after any transfer, since the providers change.
Stay Connected with Mecklenburg County Detention Center
Compare all available providers, search for other North Carolina facilities, and find the right communication options for your family. Free, with no account required.