Confirm they are at Sanford and get the OPUS number you need for everything else.
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To find someone at Sanford Correctional Center, use the NC DAC Offender Public Information (OPI) search at webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. It is the free, official NC state search tool covering everyone in state prison custody, plus probationers and parolees. Search by name or OPUS offender number. Once you find the person, write down their OPUS number. You need it to send money, send mail, and complete the visitor application.
Go to webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view and enter the person’s first and last name. You can also search by OPUS offender number if you have it. The tool searches across all NC Department of Adult Correction facilities, including Sanford Correctional Center.
If you are not sure about the spelling, try a partial search. The system can return results on partial first or last names.
A successful search result typically shows:
Write down the OPUS number. It is the identifier used across all NC DAC services, including ConnectNetwork deposits, TextBehind mail, and visitor applications. Without it, money and mail may not reach the right person.
A few things can cause someone not to appear in the search:
If you have tried everything and still cannot find the person, call Sanford Correctional Center at (919) 895-7000 to ask if they are in custody there.
It is worth confirming the person is still at Sanford Correctional Center before you deposit money or drive for a visit. People in minimum-security reentry facilities can transfer to work release, community placements, or other facilities, and search records do not always update instantly.
Run the search the day before you plan to visit or send a deposit. If their record shows a different facility, contact (919) 895-7000 to ask where they are and what the current mailing and deposit information is for their new location.
If you are not sure whether the person is in state or federal custody, the NC DAC OPI is the right first stop for state cases.
The OPI search also covers people on probation or parole supervision in North Carolina. If the person has been released from Sanford and is on supervision, their record may still appear with a status of “probation” or “parole.” Their supervising officer’s contact information may also be available in the record.
Not every detail about a person’s case is public. The OPI tool shows enough to confirm location and sentence status, but detailed disciplinary records, medical information, and internal case notes are not displayed. If you need more information, contact the facility directly or work with an attorney.
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Use the NC DAC OPI search at webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view. Search by name or OPUS number. The tool covers all NC state prison inmates, probationers, and parolees.
Inmate SearchThe OPUS number is the NC DAC offender identifier. You need it to send money through ConnectNetwork, address mail correctly through TextBehind, and complete the visitor application. Write it down as soon as you find it in the search results.
Inmate SearchYes. The NC DAC Offender Public Information search is free to use and does not require an account.
Inmate SearchCommon reasons include a recent transfer (allow 24 to 48 hours), a recent sentencing from county jail (a few days to process), a spelling difference in the name, or the person being in county jail rather than state custody. Try alternate spellings or a partial name. If you still can't find them, call (919) 895-7000.
Inmate SearchNo. The OPI search covers NC state prison inmates, probationers, and parolees only. County jail inmates are not in this system. Contact the county sheriff's office directly if the person has not yet been transferred to state custody.
Inmate SearchYes. If you already have the OPUS number, enter it directly into the search. This gives you the most accurate result.
Inmate SearchPeople in minimum-security programs can transfer to work release or other placements. If the record shows a different location, call (919) 895-7000 to confirm where the person is and get the correct contact information for their new facility.
Inmate SearchYes. The OPI tool covers people on probation or parole supervision in North Carolina, not just those currently incarcerated.
Inmate SearchIf the person was convicted of a federal crime, use the BOP inmate locator at bop.gov/inmateloc/. Federal inmates are not in the NC DAC system.
Inmate SearchThe OPI search may show projected release date information, depending on what NC DAC makes public. For more detailed release date information, contact the facility at (919) 895-7000 or work with an attorney.
Inmate SearchYes. Confirm the person is still listed at Sanford Correctional Center before you drive for a visit or deposit money. Records should be checked the day before, since minimum-security transfers can happen quickly.
Inmate SearchCall (919) 895-7000 during regular business hours. If you cannot reach someone, try again later or check the NC DAC website for additional contact options at dac.nc.gov.
Inmate SearchOnce you confirm they are at Sanford, schedule your appointment.
View ArticleDeposit funds through ConnectNetwork using the OPUS number.
View ArticleSet up your account so the person can call you at $0.10 per minute.
View ArticleSend letters through TextBehind using the correct Phoenix, MD address.
View ArticleSearch for your loved one and start sending photos, letters, and messages today.
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All information on this page comes directly from official government and facility sources. How we verify information › Last verified July 8, 2026.