Elizabeth City Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Elizabeth City, North Carolina government websites.

  About Elizabeth City City Government
Annual Budget $22.5 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, is the Elizabeth City Council, which consists of seven members. The council includes the Mayor and six council members, all of whom are elected at-large by the city's residents. Each member serves a term of four years, with elections held in odd-numbered years.

For the fiscal year 2023-2024, the approximate annual operating budget for Elizabeth City is $22.5 million. This budget allocates funds for various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Elizabeth City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the City Hall located at 306 E Main Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the discussions regarding city governance and community issues.

  About Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Elizabeth City, North Carolina, located in Pasquotank County, has a current population of approximately 18,500 residents as of the 2020 Census. This city is known for its rich history and vibrant community, making it a focal point in the region. Notable landmarks include the Museum of the Albemarle, which showcases the history and culture of the Albemarle region, and the historic downtown area, which features a variety of shops and restaurants. The city's neighborhoods, such as the West Main Street Historic District, highlight the architectural charm and heritage of Elizabeth City.

Economically, Elizabeth City has a significant historical connection to the U.S. Coast Guard, which established a presence in the area in the early 20th century. The Coast Guard's Elizabeth City base is a major employer and contributes to the local economy. The city also benefits from its strategic location along the Pasquotank River, which has historically facilitated trade and transportation. The annual Elizabeth City Downtown Waterfront Market, held from May to October, further emphasizes the community's commitment to local commerce and cultural engagement.

  Elizabeth City, North Carolina Public Records & Government Resources

About Elizabeth City

The governing body of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, is the Elizabeth City Council, which consists of seven members. The council includes the Mayor and six council members, all of whom are elected at-large by the city's residents. Each member serves a term of four years, with elections held in odd-numbered years. For the fiscal year 2023-2024, the approximate annual operating budget for Elizabeth City is $22.5 million. This budget allocates funds for various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Elizabeth City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the City Hall located at 306 E Main Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the discussions regarding city governance and community issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Pasquotank County is served by the Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office and the Elizabeth City Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in rural areas, while the Elizabeth City Police Department is responsible for policing within the city limits. Both agencies collaborate on major investigations and share resources to enhance public safety. They coordinate efforts in areas such as drug enforcement and emergency response.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Pasquotank County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested in the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the detainee, and the facility provides an inmate lookup service for the public to find current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance. The bond and bail process in North Carolina allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.

Court Records

The Pasquotank County Courthouse, located in Elizabeth City, houses the District Court and Superior Court. These courts handle a range of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed by the public through the courthouse, with some records available online for convenience.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Pasquotank County include felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal records through these agencies, and the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for comprehensive background checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Pasquotank County are maintained by the Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys in accordance with the North Carolina Public Records Law. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Requests for arrest records can be made in person or through written requests to the Sheriff's Office.

Public Records Access

Public records in Pasquotank County are accessible under North Carolina's open records law. The County Clerk's Office provides access to vital records, property records, and other official documents. The office of the Clerk of Superior Court manages court records and filings. Requests for public records can be made in person or through online portals, with typical turnaround times varying based on the type of record requested.

Economy & Demographics

Pasquotank County's economy is driven by a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. The presence of Elizabeth City State University adds to the educational and employment landscape. The county's location near the coast supports a vibrant tourism sector, with boating and fishing being popular activities. The economic character of Pasquotank County is distinct due to its blend of traditional industries and emerging sectors, setting it apart from neighboring counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, North Carolina to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, you will be transported to the Pasquotank County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Pasquotank County Court. Under North Carolina law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/adult-correction/prisons/inmate-search where you can look up current detainees.
The Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools district serves Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the district's overall performance grade for the 2019-2020 school year was a C. The district's graduation rate was 81.2%, and the district's proficiency rate in English Language Arts was 44.3%.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the total number of reported crimes in Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, North Carolina in 2019 was 1,945. Of those, 1,717 were property crimes and 228 were violent crimes.
The Elizabeth City Public Library in Pasquotank County, North Carolina provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and North Carolina government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the North Carolina Public Records Law, which governs access to government documents in North Carolina. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Elizabeth City North Carolina Archives and Genealogy at https://archives.ncdcr.gov/. Contact the Elizabeth City Public Library reference desk at (252) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, North Carolina Library is located at:

Elizabeth City Public Library

1001 East Colonial Avenue
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Phone: (252) 338-4242
Fingerprinting services for Elizabeth City, North Carolina residents are provided at the Elizabeth City Police Department, which serves Pasquotank County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Elizabeth City Police Department at (252) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) at https://www.ncdoj.gov/public-safety-and-crime-prevention/criminal-records/.
To obtain vital records for Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, North Carolina, you will need to contact the Pasquotank County Register of Deeds office.

The types of records available from the Pasquotank County Register of Deeds office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you will need to provide the full name of the person listed on the record, the date of the event, and a valid form of identification. You may also be required to provide additional information, such as the names of the parents or the date of the marriage.