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Greenville Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Greenville, North Carolina?

Arrest records are public in Greenville, North Carolina, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1, which defines public records as "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions." This accessibility is mandated by the North Carolina Public Records Act, which allows for transparency and accountability in governance. The act ensures that members of the public have the right to access records maintained by government agencies, including arrest records maintained by local law enforcement entities such as the Greenville Police Department.

How to Look Up Greenville Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Greenville arrest records, several methods are available to the public, particularly focusing on the enhanced digital accessibilities projected for 2025. While specific online platforms are continually updated, residents can generally access these records through the following official channels:

Visiting the Greenville Police Department Records Division located at 500 South Greene Street, Greenville, NC 27834. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Accessing the Greenville Police Department's online records portal, which allows for electronic retrieval of certain public records.
Contacting the Pitt County Clerk of Court at the Pitt County Courthouse, 100 W Third St, Greenville, NC 27834. Telephone: 252-695-7100.
Utilizing the Pitt County Detention Center's online detainee search for current inmate information.
Submitting a formal public records request to the Greenville Police Department via email at gpdrecords@greenvillenc.gov or by calling 252-329-4325.

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6, public agencies must provide access to public records "at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision."

Contents of a Greenville Arrest Record

A Greenville arrest record typically contains comprehensive information as required by North Carolina Administrative Code Title 12, Chapter 4E. Standard elements included in these official documents are:

The full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information
The date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed description of the alleged offense(s), including applicable North Carolina General Statute violations
The arresting agency and officer identification
Booking information, including processing location and time
Booking photographs (mugshots) as permitted under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4
Fingerprint records and other biometric identifying details
Custody status and bail or bond information
Case disposition information, if available

The Greenville Police Department maintains these records in accordance with North Carolina law enforcement records retention schedules as established by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

North Carolina's approach to arrest record accessibility is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances public transparency with individual privacy considerations. The following statutes and regulations apply to arrest records in Greenville:

N.C.G.S. § 132-1 through § 132-10 establishes the fundamental right of public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests.
N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4 specifically addresses law enforcement records, defining which components are subject to public disclosure and which may be withheld.
N.C.G.S. § 15A-266.8 governs the collection and maintenance of DNA samples and other biometric data collected during the arrest process.
N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-146 outlines provisions for expungement of certain arrest records.

Law enforcement agencies in Greenville must comply with these statutes when processing public records requests. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2(a), agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying public records, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

Limitations on Access to Certain Arrest Information

While arrest records are generally public in Greenville, certain limitations and exceptions exist to protect privacy interests and ongoing investigations. The following restrictions apply:

Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations may be temporarily withheld under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4(a).
Juvenile arrest records (individuals under 18) are confidential pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
Information that would identify confidential informants is protected from disclosure.
Records that have been properly expunged are removed from public access.
Certain personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers, may be redacted before records are released.
Medical information contained within arrest records is protected under federal HIPAA regulations.

The Greenville Police Department and Pitt County Sheriff's Office are required to balance these privacy protections with the public's right to information when processing records requests.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Greenville

In Greenville, the expungement of arrest records is possible under certain conditions as provided by North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-146. Individuals may qualify for expungement if they meet specific criteria such as:

The charge was dismissed or the person was found not guilty
The arrest occurred when the individual was under 18 or 21 years of age (depending on the offense)
The specified waiting period has elapsed since the completion of the sentence
The offense falls within eligible categories as defined by statute
The individual has no disqualifying prior or subsequent convictions

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Pitt County Clerk of Superior Court at the Pitt County Courthouse, 100 W Third St, Greenville, NC 27834. The petition must be accompanied by:

Affidavits certifying good character
A complete criminal history check
Payment of the filing fee (currently $175, subject to change)
Verification of no outstanding warrants or pending charges

Upon approval by a Superior Court judge, the expungement order directs all state and local agencies to seal the arrest record, making it inaccessible through public searches. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-152, individuals whose records have been expunged may legally deny the arrest occurred except in specific circumstances outlined in the statute.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records in Greenville serve as important components of background checks for various legitimate purposes. The following guidelines apply to the use of these public records:

Employers conducting pre-employment screening must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and North Carolina employment laws when using arrest information.
Housing providers may access arrest records as part of tenant screening, subject to fair housing regulations.
Professional licensing boards may review arrest histories as part of character and fitness evaluations.
Educational institutions may have limited access to certain arrest records for security purposes.
Financial institutions may utilize arrest information for fraud prevention and security measures.

Users of arrest record information should be aware that under N.C.G.S. § 15A-153, it is unlawful to discriminate against an individual whose record has been expunged. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides guidance cautioning against making adverse decisions based solely on arrest records without convictions.