Pender CI Inmate Search. Find Someone with the NC OPI Search

What Is the NC OPI Search?

The NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Public Information (OPI) search is the state’s official database of everyone in NC state prison custody. Pender Correctional Institution is a state facility, so anyone serving time here appears in this system. The OPI is run directly by NC DAC and is free to use with no account required.

How to Search

Go to webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. You can search by:

• First name and last name
• OPUS Number (if you already have it)

Enter the information and submit. Results list everyone in NC state custody matching that name. Look for the entry showing Pender Correctional Institution as the current facility.

What the Search Shows

A successful search result includes:

• Full legal name
• OPUS Number (the unique ID assigned by NC DAC)
• Current facility (should show Pender Correctional Institution)
• Custody level (medium at Pender CI)
• Projected release date (may be listed depending on the record)

Write down the OPUS Number as soon as you find it. It is required for every transaction: ConnectNetwork money deposits, TextBehind mail, and the visitor application all ask for it.

What Is an OPUS Number?

OPUS stands for Offender Population Unified System. It is the number NC DAC assigns to each person when they enter state custody. The OPUS Number stays the same even if the person transfers to a different facility. It is the ID that follows them throughout their time in NC state custody.

Pender CI Holds Medium Custody

Pender CI holds men at medium custody. Medium custody means structured movement and supervision. The facility also houses men in specialized programs, including the ACDP (Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Program) and the horticultural therapy program for people with developmental disabilities. If the search shows a different facility, it likely means a recent transfer. Call (910) 259-8735 to confirm their current location.

If You Cannot Find the Person

A few things can explain a missing search result:

• Recently transferred: If someone just moved to Pender CI from another facility, the OPI record may not have updated yet. Wait a day and try again.
• Name spelling: Try alternate spellings of the first or last name. Some records use a middle name or shortened version.
• Not yet processed: If someone was recently sentenced or moved into state custody, it can take a few days for the OPI record to appear.
• Released or transferred out: If they were released or sent to another facility, their Pender CI record will no longer show as active.

If you have tried all of these and still cannot find the person, call Pender CI directly at (910) 259-8735.

Programs at Pender CI and What They Mean for Locating Someone

Pender CI runs several programs that keep men on site during their time here. Men enrolled in the ACDP are in a 12-week intensive residential treatment unit at Pender CI. Men in the horticultural therapy program work on the grounds at Pender CI. Those taking Cape Fear Community College courses in light construction or diesel mechanics are housed at Pender CI for the duration of those programs.

If someone you know is in any of these programs, they should appear at Pender CI in the OPI search. Call (910) 259-8735 if you have questions about program enrollment or housing details.

After You Find Them

Once you have confirmed the person is at Pender CI and have their OPUS Number:

• Use the send money guide to deposit funds through ConnectNetwork.
• Use the visitation guide to start the visitor approval process.
• Use the mail guide to send letters through TextBehind.
• Use the phone calls guide to set up AdvancePay through ConnectNetwork.

Before You Visit, Always Confirm

Before you make the trip to Burgaw, run the OPI search to confirm the person is still listed at Pender CI. Call (910) 259-8735 if you want real-time confirmation. Inmates can be transferred to other facilities, so checking first saves you an unnecessary trip.