The Asheville-Metro-Area County Jail, officially known as the Buncombe County Detention Facility, serves as the primary correctional center for Asheville and surrounding communities in North Carolina. Located at 20 Davidson Drive, Asheville, NC 28801, this facility houses individuals awaiting trial, sentencing, or serving short-term sentences. Managed by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the jail plays a vital role in public safety, inmate care, and community reintegration. It operates under strict state and federal guidelines to ensure humane treatment, security, and transparency. Whether you’re searching for an inmate, planning a visit, or need information about booking procedures, this resource provides accurate, up-to-date details directly from official sources.
Official Facility Name and Location
The correct name of the jail is the Buncombe County Detention Facility. It is often referred to as the Buncombe County Jail, Asheville jail, or Asheville metro jail in public searches. The facility is situated in central Asheville, making it accessible to residents across the metro area. Its official address is 20 Davidson Drive, Asheville, NC 28801. This location houses both male and female inmates and includes administrative offices, visitation areas, medical units, and secure housing blocks. The jail is part of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office network and follows policies set by North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the state’s jail standards division.
How to Search for an Inmate
Finding someone in the Asheville-Metro-Area County Jail is simple using the official inmate lookup tool. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office maintains a real-time online roster updated daily. To search, visit the official website and navigate to the “Inmate Roster” section. You can search by full name or inmate ID number. Results show current inmates only—those who have been released are removed within 24 hours. The roster includes the inmate’s name, booking date, charges, bond amount, court dates, and housing location. If no results appear, the person may not be in custody, or they might be held under a different name or alias. Always double-check spelling and consider using partial names if unsure.
Using the Online Inmate Search Tool
The online inmate search tool is free and available 24/7. It requires no login or registration. Simply enter the first and last name of the person you’re looking for. The system displays all matching records with key details. This tool is ideal for family members, attorneys, or employers needing quick access to custody status. For privacy reasons, some sensitive information like Social Security numbers or medical records is not shown. The roster refreshes every few hours, so information is nearly always current. If you cannot access the internet, call the jail directly at (828) 250-4550 for assistance.
Offline Inmate Lookup Options
If the online system is down or you prefer in-person help, you can visit the jail lobby during business hours. Staff at the front desk can assist with inmate searches if you provide a valid photo ID and the inmate’s full name. Public kiosks are also available on-site for self-service lookups. Phone inquiries are accepted, but staff may ask for identifying details such as date of birth or booking number to protect inmate privacy. Walk-in visits for information are allowed Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Always call ahead during holidays or emergencies, as hours may change.
Jail Roster and Booking Information
The Asheville-Metro-Area County Jail roster lists all individuals currently in custody. Each entry includes the inmate’s full legal name, booking date and time, arresting agency, charges, bond status, and next court date. Mugshots are not published online due to privacy policies, but they may be requested through public records. The booking process begins immediately after arrest. Officers bring the individual to the jail, where they are processed through security, photographed, fingerprinted, and assigned a housing unit. Medical staff conduct a health screening to identify urgent needs. Inmates receive a copy of their charges and rights upon intake.
What Happens During Booking
Booking at the Buncombe County Detention Facility follows a standard procedure. First, the inmate’s personal belongings are collected and stored. Then, they undergo a pat-down search and are issued jail clothing. Next, fingerprints and a digital photo are taken. These records are sent to state databases for background checks. Personal information such as name, date of birth, address, and emergency contact is recorded. A brief medical and mental health assessment follows. Inmates are then placed in a holding cell until classification determines their housing level. The entire process takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on staffing and volume.
Accessing Mugshots and Public Records
Mugshots from the Asheville-Metro-Area County Jail are considered public records under North Carolina law. However, they are not posted online to prevent misuse. To request a mugshot, submit a formal public records request to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. Include the inmate’s full name, date of birth, and booking date if known. There may be a small processing fee. Requests can be mailed, emailed, or dropped off in person. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days. Note that mugshots may be withheld if they interfere with an ongoing investigation or violate privacy rights. Expungement of mugshots is possible if charges are dropped or the person is acquitted, but it requires a court order.
Inmate Communication and Visitation
Staying in touch with someone in the Asheville-Metro-Area County Jail is possible through phone calls, mail, and visits. All communication is monitored for security. Inmates can make outgoing calls using a prepaid account. Family and friends can add money online or at kiosks in the jail lobby. Calls last 15 to 20 minutes and are limited to approved numbers. Emails are also available through a secure messaging system. Inmates can receive letters, but all mail is opened and inspected. Packages must come from approved vendors like Amazon. Polaroid photos, stickers, or homemade items are not allowed. Virtual visitation is offered via video call, requiring advance scheduling and a stable internet connection.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling
Visitation at the Buncombe County Detention Facility requires advance scheduling. In-person visits occur Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Each inmate is allowed one 30-minute visit per week. Visitors must be on the approved list and present a valid government-issued ID. Dress code rules prohibit revealing clothing, hats, sunglasses, or offensive graphics. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Virtual visits use a secure platform and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Both in-person and virtual visits are subject to cancellation due to security concerns or emergencies. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
Sending Mail to Inmates
Mail is a key way to stay connected. Send letters to: Inmate’s Full Name, Inmate ID Number, Buncombe County Detention Facility, 20 Davidson Drive, Asheville, NC 28801. Use standard white envelopes and avoid decorations. Include your return address. Do not send cash, stamps, or contraband. Books and magazines must be new and sent directly from the publisher or retailer. Greeting cards are allowed if they are flat and contain no glitter or inserts. All mail is screened, so expect delays of 3 to 5 days. Inmates can reply using envelopes and stamps provided by the jail or purchased from commissary.
Sending Money to Inmates
Family and friends can send money to inmates at the Asheville-Metro-Area County Jail through several secure methods. Funds go into a personal account used for commissary, phone calls, and medical co-pays. Online deposits are made via the jail’s payment partner, Access Corrections. You’ll need the inmate’s name and ID number. Payments are instant and accept credit or debit cards. Kiosks in the jail lobby accept cash, credit, or debit cards. Money orders can be mailed but must be made payable to the inmate—not the jail. Personal checks and cash are not accepted. Always include the inmate’s full name and ID on the memo line. Account balances can be checked online or by calling the jail.
Commissary Purchases and Spending Limits
Inmates use their accounts to buy items from the weekly commissary. Available products include snacks, hygiene items, stationery, and approved clothing. Orders are placed on designated days and delivered within 48 hours. Spending limits apply—typically $100 per week. Popular items include ramen noodles, toothpaste, socks, and pens. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with doctor approval. Funds cannot be transferred between inmates. Unused money remains in the account until release. Upon release, remaining balances are mailed as a check within 10 business days. Keep receipts for all deposits.
Healthcare and Mental Health Services
The Asheville-Metro-Area County Jail provides medical and mental health care to all inmates. Upon intake, each person receives a health screening. Chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension are managed with medication. Emergency care is available 24/7 through on-site nurses and contracted physicians. Dental and vision services are offered for urgent needs. Mental health support includes crisis intervention, counseling, and medication for conditions like depression or PTSD. Substance abuse programs help inmates detox safely. All services follow state health guidelines and are confidential. Inmates can request medical attention at any time by notifying staff.
Mental Health and Rehabilitation Programs
Rehabilitation is a priority at the Buncombe County Detention Facility. Inmates can join GED classes, vocational training, and life skills workshops. Programs focus on reducing recidivism through education and job readiness. Carpentry, computer basics, and financial literacy are common offerings. Counseling sessions address anger management, addiction, and trauma. Volunteers from local nonprofits lead support groups. These programs are voluntary but strongly encouraged. Completion can lead to early release credits in some cases. The goal is to prepare inmates for successful reentry into the community.
Bail and Release Procedures
Bail at the Asheville-Metro-Area County Jail is set during the first court appearance, usually within 48 hours of arrest. The amount depends on the charges, criminal history, and flight risk. To post bail, contact the Booking Office at (828) 250-4550. Payment can be made in cash, credit card, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Online payments are accepted via the sheriff’s website. Once bail is posted, the inmate is released after processing, which takes 1 to 2 hours. Release documents are provided, and personal belongings are returned. If bail is denied, the inmate remains in custody until trial. Always confirm the bail amount before sending funds.
Release Dates and Status Checks
Release dates depend on court decisions, sentence length, and behavior in custody. Sentenced inmates may earn time off for good conduct. The inmate roster shows expected release dates when available. However, these are estimates and can change due to appeals or new charges. Family members can check status online or by phone. Upon release, inmates receive a discharge packet with resources for housing, employment, and counseling. Transportation is not provided, so arrange pickup in advance. If an inmate is transferred to state prison, notification is sent to the last known contact.
Security and Facility Operations
The Buncombe County Detention Facility uses advanced security to protect staff, inmates, and visitors. Surveillance cameras monitor all areas 24/7. Inmates are classified by risk level and housed accordingly. Staff undergo regular training in de-escalation, emergency response, and inmate rights. Fire drills and medical emergencies are practiced monthly. Contraband is detected through random searches and drug-sniffing dogs. Visitation areas are separated by glass or screens to prevent physical contact. All interactions are recorded. The facility complies with ADA standards and offers language interpreters when needed. Security protocols are reviewed annually to meet state standards.
Contact Information and Hours
For questions about the Asheville-Metro-Area County Jail, use the following official contacts: Phone: (828) 250-4550 Address: 20 Davidson Drive, Asheville, NC 28801 Website: https://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/sheriff/detention.aspx Visitation Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Administrative Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM The jail is closed on major holidays. For emergencies, call 911. Non-emergency inquiries can be emailed to sheriffinfo@buncombecounty.org. Always verify hours before visiting, as they may change due to staffing or events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about the Asheville-Metro-Area County Jail. Below are answers based on current policies and procedures. These cover common concerns about inmate search, visitation, communication, and rights. The information is accurate as of 2024 and sourced directly from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. If policies change, updates will be posted on the official website. For legal advice, consult an attorney.
How do I find out if someone is in the Asheville jail?
Use the online inmate roster on the Buncombe County Sheriff’s website. Search by name or ID. If no result appears, call (828) 250-4550. Provide the person’s full name and date of birth. Staff can confirm custody status but may not give detailed information without verification. The roster is updated multiple times daily and lists only current inmates. Released individuals are removed within 24 hours. For privacy, some data like medical records is not public. Always double-check spelling when searching.
Can I visit an inmate at the Buncombe County Jail?
Yes, but visits must be scheduled in advance. In-person visits are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Each inmate gets one 30-minute visit per week. You must be on their approved visitor list and bring a valid ID. Dress code rules apply—no shorts, tank tops, or hats. Virtual visits are also available via video call. Book at least 24 hours ahead. Both types of visits are monitored and may be recorded. Arrive early for security screening. Children must be supervised.
How do I send money to an inmate?
Deposit funds online through Access Corrections, at lobby kiosks, or by mailing a money order. Online payments are instant using a credit or debit card. Kiosks accept cash, credit, or debit. Money orders must be made payable to the inmate and include their ID number. Do not send cash or personal checks. Funds are added to the inmate’s account within hours. They can use it for commissary, phone calls, or medical fees. Balances carry over until release. Refunds are mailed as checks after discharge.
Are mugshots available to the public?
Mugshots are public records but not posted online. To request one, submit a written request to the Sheriff’s Office with the inmate’s name and booking details. A small fee may apply. Processing takes up to 10 days. Mugshots may be withheld if they affect an investigation or violate privacy. If charges are dropped, you can petition the court to expunge the photo. This requires legal action and a judge’s approval. Always include your contact information with requests.
What programs help inmates prepare for release?
The jail offers GED classes, vocational training, and counseling. Programs include carpentry, computer skills, and substance abuse treatment. Inmates can earn certificates to improve job prospects. Mental health services include therapy and medication management. Participation is voluntary but encouraged. Some programs offer incentives like extra phone time. Upon release, inmates receive resource guides for housing, jobs, and healthcare. These efforts aim to reduce repeat offenses and support community reintegration.
How are medical needs handled in the jail?
All inmates receive a health screening upon arrival. Chronic conditions are managed with prescribed medications. Nurses are on duty 24/7, and doctors visit regularly. Emergency care is available at all times. Dental and vision services are provided for urgent issues. Mental health support includes counseling and crisis intervention. Inmates can request medical help at any time. All care follows state health standards and is confidential. Prescriptions are filled through the jail’s pharmacy.
What happens during the booking process?
Booking starts with a search and collection of personal items. Inmates are photographed and fingerprinted. Personal details and charges are recorded. A health screening checks for injuries, illnesses, or mental health concerns. Inmates are then classified by risk level and assigned housing. The process takes 1 to 3 hours. They receive jail clothing, a copy of their rights, and information about jail rules. Family can call to check status after booking is complete.