Confirm they are at Wilkes and get the OPUS number you need for everything else.
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To find someone at Wilkes 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 Wilkes. 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 Wilkes Correctional Center specifically.
The tool searches all NC DAC facilities at once. If the person is housed at Wilkes, 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 posted to the wrong account.
When you address mail through TextBehind, the OPUS number goes right after the person’s full legal name on the same line. When you set up a ConnectNetwork deposit, you enter the OPUS number to locate their account.
Wilkes Correctional Center is a minimum custody reentry facility. Most residents hold work release jobs with employers in Wilkes County on weekdays. They leave in the morning and return to the facility each evening. The OPI search reflects their home facility, which is Wilkes, not their daily job location.
If the search shows them at Wilkes but you have not heard from them, they are likely at a job site during business hours. Call (336) 667-4533 to confirm their schedule.
A few reasons someone might not appear in the search:
If you still cannot find them, call Wilkes Correctional Center directly at (336) 667-4533.
Once you have confirmed the person is at Wilkes 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 (336) 667-4533 if you still cannot find them.
Inmate SearchYes. Residents on work release are still listed as housed at Wilkes 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 arrivals and recent transfers can take 24 to 48 hours to appear. If someone was just moved to Wilkes, their record may not reflect the new facility yet.
Inmate SearchYes. Call Wilkes Correctional Center directly at (336) 667-4533. 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 will eventually drop from active results. For information about someone who has been released, contact 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.