Confirm they are at Caldwell and get the OPUS number you need for everything else.
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To find someone at Caldwell Correctional Center, use the NC Offender Public Information search at webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. It is the official, free lookup tool run by the NC Department of Adult Correction. Once you confirm the person is at Caldwell, write down their OPUS number. You need it to send money, mail letters, and get on the visitor list.
Go to webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view and enter the person’s first and last name. The tool searches all NC DAC custody, including Caldwell Correctional Center in Lenoir.
Caldwell holds 238 male residents. It is a minimum custody reentry facility, so some residents may be in the community on work release during the day and return to the facility in the evenings.
The result shows the person’s name, facility, OPUS number, custody level, and projected release information. The OPUS number is the unique identifier NC DAC assigns to each person in custody. Save it somewhere you can find it. You need it for every money deposit, every piece of mail, and the visitor application.
A few things can cause someone to not appear in the OPI search:
If the search still does not return a result, call Caldwell at (828) 726-2509.
With the OPUS number in hand, you can do the following:
Because Caldwell is a reentry facility, residents can be assigned to work release jobs, community work squads, or DOT road crews. Before making a trip to the facility, use the OPI search to confirm the person is still at Caldwell, then call (828) 726-2509 to confirm they will be on grounds during your planned visit.
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The NC Offender Public Information (OPI) search at webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. It is run by the NC Department of Adult Correction and is free to use.
Inmate SearchOPUS stands for Offender Population Unified System. It is the unique number NC DAC assigns to each person in custody. You need it to send money, address mail, and complete the visitor application.
Inmate SearchThey may have been recently transferred to Caldwell and the record has not updated yet. Try again the next day. They may also have been released, transferred to another facility, or their name may have a different spelling in the system. If the search still fails, call Caldwell at (828) 726-2509.
Inmate SearchNo. The NC OPI search covers NC DAC state prisons, including Caldwell Correctional Center. County jails use separate systems. If someone was recently sentenced and transferred from a county jail, they may appear in OPI within a day or two of the transfer.
Inmate SearchYes. Search by first and last name. The OPUS number comes back in the search result. Write it down because you need it for everything else.
Inmate SearchRun the OPI search to confirm they are still listed at Caldwell Correctional Center, then call (828) 726-2509 to confirm they will be on facility grounds when you plan to visit. Residents can be on work release or community assignments and off-site during the day.
Inmate SearchThe result shows the person's name, current facility, OPUS number, custody level, and projected release information. It does not show detailed case information, court dates, or charges.
Inmate SearchThe NC DAC record may take a day or two to appear after a transfer from county jail. Try again the next day. If it still does not appear, call (828) 726-2509.
Inmate SearchNarrow results by trying the full name rather than a partial name. If multiple records appear, check the listed facility to find the one at Caldwell Correctional Center.
Inmate SearchNo. The NC OPI search is free and does not require an account or login.
Inmate SearchWrite it down and use it to send money through ConnectNetwork, address mail through TextBehind, and complete the visitor application the resident mails you.
Inmate SearchIf a person no longer appears in the OPI search, they may have been released or transferred to a facility outside NC DAC. Call Caldwell at (828) 726-2509 to confirm their current status.
Inmate SearchUse the OPUS number to deposit funds through ConnectNetwork.
View ArticleGet on the approved list before making the trip. Call (828) 726-2509 for help.
View ArticleSet up ViaPath so the person can call you from inside.
View ArticleThe TextBehind mailing address and what to include on every envelope.
View ArticleSearch for your loved one and start sending photos, letters, and messages today.
Search for Your Loved OneFree Inmate Search
All information on this page comes directly from official government and facility sources. How we verify information › Last verified July 7, 2026.