Confirm they are at Rutherford and get the OPUS number you need for everything else.
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To find someone at Rutherford Correctional Center, use the NC Offender Public Information (OPI) search at webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. This is the official, free database run by the NC Department of Adult Correction. It covers every person in NC DAC custody, including state prisons like Rutherford. Once you find the person, write down their OPUS number. You need it for every money deposit, letter through TextBehind, and visitor application.
Go to webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. Enter the person’s first and last name and click Search. You can narrow results by entering a county or facility name to filter down to Rutherford Correctional Center specifically.
The tool searches all NC DAC facilities at once. If the person is housed at Rutherford, their record will show that facility name.
Each result includes:
The OPUS number is the most important piece of information. Save it. You need it for every ConnectNetwork deposit, every TextBehind letter, and the visitor application.
NC DAC uses the OPUS number to match incoming money deposits, mail, and visitor applications to the right person. If you send money or mail without the correct OPUS number, it can be delayed, returned, or applied to the wrong account.
When you address mail through TextBehind, you include the OPUS number right after the person’s full legal name. When you set up a ConnectNetwork deposit, you enter the OPUS number to find their account.
Rutherford Correctional Center is a minimum custody reentry facility. Many residents work outside the facility on NCODT road crews or in work release jobs. They are still counted as residents at Rutherford even when they are out on assignment. If the search shows them at Rutherford but you have not heard from them, they are likely at a job site. Call (828) 286-4121 to confirm.
A few reasons someone might not show up in the search:
If you still cannot find them, call Rutherford Correctional Center directly at (828) 286-4121.
Once you have confirmed the person is at Rutherford and you have their OPUS number:
6 of 12 questions
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 ID number NC DAC assigns to every person in their custody. You need it to send money through ConnectNetwork, address mail through TextBehind, and complete the visitor application.
Inmate SearchThe search shows the person's full name, OPUS number, current facility, custody level, and sentence information including projected release dates.
Inmate SearchThey may have arrived recently and the record has not updated yet. Wait 24 to 48 hours and try again. Check for alternate name spellings. If they were transferred, results will show the new facility. If released, they will no longer appear. Call (828) 286-4121 if you still cannot find them.
Inmate SearchYes. Residents on work release or road crew assignments are still listed as housed at Rutherford Correctional Center in the OPI search. The search shows their home facility, not their daily work location.
Inmate SearchNo. The NC OPI search is free and open to the public. You do not need to register or log in.
Inmate SearchThe NC OPI search is primarily name-based. If you already have the OPUS number, you can still use the name search to pull up the full record and confirm current facility and status.
Inmate SearchThey may have been transferred since you last checked. The OPI search reflects current housing. Call the facility listed in the results to get current contact and visitation information.
Inmate SearchThe NC OPI database updates regularly, but new bookings and recent transfers can take 24 to 48 hours to appear. If someone was just moved to Rutherford, their record may not reflect the new facility yet.
Inmate SearchYes. Call Rutherford Correctional Center directly at (828) 286-4121. Staff can confirm whether a specific person is housed there.
Inmate SearchUse it for every interaction. Add it to money deposits on ConnectNetwork, include it in the name line of every TextBehind letter, and list it on the visitor application. It is what the facility uses to match everything to the right person.
Inmate SearchThe NC OPI search focuses on active custody. Recently released people may still appear briefly, but they will eventually drop from the active results. For information about someone who has been released, call NC DAC directly.
Inmate SearchUse the OPUS number to deposit funds through ConnectNetwork.
View ArticleLearn how to get on the approved visitor list and schedule a visit.
View ArticleSet up your ViaPath account so the resident can call you.
View ArticleThe TextBehind address and OPUS number format for personal mail.
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.