Detention Center
Melissa Satchell
Captain of Detention
Our Commitment
The Beaufort County Detention Center operates with one guiding principle: to provide a safe, secure, and humane environment for inmates, staff, and visitors. We strive to carry out this mission with honor, integrity, and unwavering respect for human dignity while upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.
About the Facility
Opened in 1969 and located in the basement of the Beaufort County Courthouse in Washington, NC, the Detention Center is a direct-supervision facility with an 85-bed capacity. We primarily house pretrial detainees charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses, as well as inmates sentenced to shorter terms of confinement.
Professional & Secure Operations
Our dedicated correctional staff is committed to:
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Maintaining a clean, safe, and constitutionally compliant facility
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Providing access to medical and mental-health services
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Offering programs that promote rehabilitation and successful reentry
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Ensuring the safety of inmates, employees, and the public at all times
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We're proud to offer the Inmate Search feature as a key public safety tool, now conveniently integrated into our official mobile app. This secure, user-friendly resource allows community members, family, and friends to quickly access up-to-date information on individuals in our custody.
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Attorney Visits
To facilitate confidential attorney–client communication, visits are by appointment only:
Monday – Friday | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
24-hour advance notice required​
Attorneys may schedule appointments by contacting:
Lieutenant Tina Coward
(252) 946-7113