Overview
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office offers crime victims continuous access to vital inmate information – anytime day or night. An inmate is anyone who did not bond out and is actually committed into the detention facilities. Information regarding arrestees who bond out of jail is not available.
Crime victims can get the current custody status of the person (or persons) who victimized them simply by calling 1-800-247-9658.
In addition, crime victims can register with the Victim Notification system to be notified automatically when a specific inmate is released or transferred.
The program is a service to victims of crime in Mecklenburg County by Sheriff Jim Pendergraph and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.
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How to Call Victim Notification at 1-800-247-9658
Using a touch-tone telephone, dial 1-800-247-9658. Follow the prompts (instructions) given by the system. If you wish to check on the custody status of an inmate, you must have one of the following:
- PID number
- Inmate's last name, first name
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How to register with Victim Notification
After the correct inmate is identified, the system will give you the option to register for automatic notification. Follow instructions the system gives. The system will ask for a telephone number to call for notifications and a PIN (Personal Identification Number) to confirm notification.
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What is a PIN?
The PIN (Personal Identification Number) is used by the victim notification system to confirm that the correct victim is being notified. A victim should use a number that will be easy to remember. The only way to stop Victim Notification calls is by entering the correct PIN number.
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How Is a Victim Notified?
When an inmate is transferred or released, the system automatically calls the telephone number(s) of any victim(s) registered for that particular inmate.
When a victim answers a notification call, the system will deliver a computer-generated message about the inmate's new status. The system will then ask for the PIN number to discontinue further calls.
If the system reaches an answering machine, it will leave a message but will continue to try to reach the victim directly for 24 hours or until a correct PIN number is entered.
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Caution
Victims should not depend on the Victim Notification system or any other system for their safety. Victims who feel threatened should take precautions as if an inmate were released already!
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Important Information
- Automatic Victim Notification provides immediate notification when an inmate is released. Victims should not be surprised or startled if they receive a late night notification call.
- Do not lose your PIN number! Entering the correct PIN number is the only way to stop notification calls.
- Do not use a telephone number that goes through a switchboard. Do not use a pager number.
- Victims of any crime requiring victim notification can get information about an inmate's status in a Mecklenburg County jail or correctional facility.
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