Confirm they are at Gaston and get the OPUS number you need for everything else.
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To find someone at Gaston 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 Gaston, 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 Gaston Correctional Center in Dallas.
Gaston holds 242 male residents. It is a minimum custody reentry facility, so some residents are 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 accessible. You need it for every money deposit, every piece of mail, and the visitor application.
A few things can cause someone not to appear in the OPI search:
If the search still does not return a result, call Gaston Correctional Center at (704) 922-3861.
With the OPUS number in hand, you can do the following:
Because Gaston is a reentry facility, residents can be assigned to work release jobs, DOT road squads, municipality crews, or community leave during weekday business hours. Before making the trip, use the OPI search to confirm the person is still listed at Gaston, then call (704) 922-3861 or email [email protected] to confirm they will be on facility 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 Gaston 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 Gaston at (704) 922-3861.
Inmate SearchNo. The NC OPI search covers NC DAC state prisons, including Gaston 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 money deposits, mail, and the visitor application.
Inmate SearchRun the OPI search to confirm they are still listed at Gaston Correctional Center, then call (704) 922-3861 or email [email protected] 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 Gaston at (704) 922-3861.
Inmate SearchNarrow results by using the full name rather than a partial name. If multiple records appear, check the listed facility to find the one at Gaston Correctional Center in Dallas, NC.
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 Gaston at (704) 922-3861 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 (704) 922-3861 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.