How to Look Up Someone Incarcerated at Sampson Correctional Institution

Head to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NC DAC) Offender Public Information Search - sometimes called the Offender Locator. You can search by name or by offender/OPUS number. The results show current facility placement, so you'll know right away if someone is housed at Sampson Correctional Institution. The database covers NC state prison offenders and goes back to 1972, which helps when you're sorting through similar names or tracking down older records.

Once you find the right person, grab two things: the OPUS (offender) number and the current location. The OPUS number ensures you're looking at the correct record. The location field tells you whether they're at Sampson Correctional Institution or somewhere else in the NC prison system.

That OPUS number isn't just extra info - you'll need it to send mail. At Sampson Correctional Institution, non-legal mail must be addressed in a specific TextBehind format that includes the person's name and OPUS number. Get it wrong, and your letter comes back.

If-you-cant-find

• ✓ Double-check spelling (including hyphens and spacing).
• ✓ Try alternate spellings or any other name the person may be listed under.
• ✓ Search by offender/OPUS number if you already have it.
• ✓ Remember the database does not include county jail inmates.
• ✓ Contact the facility to confirm housing if you still can’t locate them.

Can't find a clear answer in the search? Call or email the prison directly to confirm where the person is housed. Planning a visit? Call the day before to check the facility's visitation status - schedules can change at the last minute, and you don't want to find out after you've already made the trip.

1. Find the OPUS number - Use the NC DAC Offender Public Information Search to get the person’s OPUS (offender) number.
2. Write the first line with name + OPUS - Use the incarcerated person’s name followed by their OPUS number (for example: “First Last #1234567”).
3. Write the prison name in full - Use “Sampson Correctional Institution” and do not abbreviate the prison name.
4. Address it to TextBehind’s mailing address - Put it in this format:
5. Offender Name and Offender OPUS Number
6. Sampson Correctional Institution (do not abbreviate)
7. P.O. Box 247
8. Phoenix, MD 21131

Once you've confirmed someone is at Sampson Correctional Institution, plan your visit in advance. Visits are by appointment only - you'll need to call or email to schedule. I recommend calling the day before to double-check the facility's visitation status, especially if you're traveling any distance.