Confirm they are at Orange Correctional Center and get the OPUS Number you need for everything else.
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To find someone at Orange Correctional Center, use the NC Department of Adult Correction’s Offender Public Information (OPI) search at webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. It is the official, free tool for locating anyone in NC state custody. Once you confirm the person is here, write down their OPUS Number. You need it to send money, mail letters, and complete the visitor application. Orange Correctional Center is a work release facility, so residents may be off-site during the day at outside jobs or in study release at UNC-Chapel Hill. If someone does not answer calls at certain hours, they may be at work. Call (919) 732-9301 if you need to confirm their current location.
Go to webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. Enter the person’s first and last name. You can also search by OPUS Number if you already have it. The tool searches everyone currently in NC Department of Adult Correction custody, including people at Orange Correctional Center.
The search results show the person’s name, OPUS Number, the facility they are assigned to, and basic offense and sentence information. Confirm the facility shows as Orange Correctional Center before writing anything down.
OPUS stands for Offender Population Unified System. It is the unique ID number North Carolina assigns to every person in state custody. The OPUS Number appears in your search results once you find the right person.
You need this number for:
Save it somewhere you won’t lose it. If you’ve misplaced it, run the OPI search again to get it.
Each result in the NC OPI search includes:
The projected release date and custody level can be useful for planning visits and understanding how programs like work release apply.
Orange Correctional Center operates primarily as a work release and reentry facility. This means many residents hold jobs outside the facility and leave each morning, returning in the evening. Some residents also participate in study release at UNC-Chapel Hill or take Durham Tech Community College courses off-site during the day.
If you try to call someone at Orange Correctional Center and they don’t pick up during daytime hours, they are likely at work or in class. This is expected at a work release facility. Residents are typically back on site in the evening.
Call (919) 732-9301 if you need to confirm whether the person is currently on-site or off-site.
A few common reasons someone may not appear in the NC OPI search:
If the search still returns nothing after waiting 48 hours, call Orange Correctional Center at (919) 732-9301. Staff can confirm whether the person is in custody there.
Once you have confirmed the person is at Orange Correctional Center and have their OPUS Number, your next steps are:
If you are planning to visit, always confirm the person is still at Orange Correctional Center before you make the trip. Transfers happen without much notice to families. Run the OPI search the day before, or call (919) 732-9301 to verify.
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The NC Department of Adult Correction's Offender Public Information (OPI) search at webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. It is free and available around the clock.
Inmate SearchOPUS stands for Offender Population Unified System. It is the unique ID number NC assigns to everyone in state custody. You need it to send money, address mail through TextBehind, and complete the visitor application.
Inmate SearchThey may have been recently transferred and the record hasn't updated yet. Wait 24 to 48 hours and try again. Also try alternate name spellings. If still not found, call (919) 732-9301.
Inmate SearchOrange Correctional Center is a work release facility. Many residents leave each day for outside jobs or study release at UNC-Chapel Hill. If they don't answer during work hours, they are likely off-site. They should be back in the evenings.
Inmate SearchRun the NC OPI search at webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. If their facility has changed, the search result will show the new location. You can also call (919) 732-9301 to confirm.
Inmate SearchYes. The search is free and does not require creating an account.
Inmate SearchYes. The NC OPI search accepts both name and OPUS Number searches.
Inmate SearchThe results include the person's full legal name, OPUS Number, current facility, offense description, projected release date, and custody level.
Inmate SearchThe NC DAC OPI search only covers people in state prison custody. If the person hasn't been moved from a county jail yet, contact the county detention center directly.
Inmate SearchUsually within 24 to 48 hours. If someone was just moved to Orange Correctional Center, give the database a day or two before searching.
Inmate SearchWrite down the OPUS Number and confirm the facility is Orange Correctional Center. Then set up money deposits through ConnectNetwork, start the visitor application, and set up your phone account through AdvancePay.
Inmate SearchYes. Call Orange Correctional Center at (919) 732-9301. However, the OPI search is faster and available at any hour without waiting on hold.
Inmate SearchDeposit through ConnectNetwork using the OPUS Number you just found.
View ArticleGet on the approved list and schedule an in-person session.
View ArticleSet up AdvancePay so they can call you from the facility.
View ArticleSend letters through TextBehind. The address and what is accepted.
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.