New Bern Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official New Bern, North Carolina government websites.

  About New Bern City Government
Council Members 12 Members
Annual Budget $29.3 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The city government of New Bern, North Carolina, is governed by the New Bern Board of Aldermen, which consists of 12 members. This body includes the Mayor and 11 Aldermen, all of whom are elected by the citizens of New Bern. The Mayor serves a two-year term, while the Aldermen serve four-year terms. Elections are held in odd-numbered years, allowing for a staggered election cycle.

For the fiscal year 2022-2023, New Bern's approximate annual operating budget is $29.3 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community development initiatives.

Regular meetings of the New Bern Board of Aldermen are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the New Bern Municipal Building, located at 300 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560. The meetings are open to the public, providing an opportunity for residents to engage with their local government.

  About New Bern, North Carolina

Nestled at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, New Bern, North Carolina, boasts a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1710. As the first capital of North Carolina, this charming city is characterized by its vibrant blend of historical significance and modern amenities, with a population of approximately 30,000 residents. The city is divided into several distinctive neighborhoods, including the historic downtown area, the waterfront district, and residential communities like Taberna and Brice’s Creek. New Bern’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including healthcare, education, and tourism. Major local employers include CarolinaEast Health System, the New Bern School System, and various retail and service establishments that cater to both residents and visitors. What sets New Bern apart is its rich cultural heritage, exemplified by its numerous antebellum structures, a thriving arts scene, and annual festivals such as the famous Swiss Bear Festival and the Mumfest, making it a place where history and community spirit harmoniously converge.

Law enforcement in New Bern is primarily the responsibility of the New Bern Police Department, which works diligently to maintain safety and order in the community. Additionally, the Craven County Sheriff's Office serves the broader county area, ensuring law enforcement continuity. For those seeking access to criminal records, including arrest records, mugshots, and booking records, the process is relatively straightforward. Individuals can begin by contacting the records unit of the New Bern Police Department for reports related to incidents within the city. For county-wide records, the Craven County Sheriff's Office is the next point of contact, and they provide access to various public records as well. For more comprehensive background checks or criminal history inquiries, residents may need to refer to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which maintains a state criminal repository. Online lookup portals are also available, allowing individuals to search for certain records from the comfort of their homes. However, accessing specific data may require filling out formal request forms and possibly paying a nominal fee, depending on the nature of the request and the type of records sought.

In matters of legal proceedings and public records, the Craven County Superior Court and District Court serve the New Bern area, providing a venue for civil and criminal matters. Residents can request court records through the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, with an online portal available for convenient access. For those preferring an in-person approach, the Clerk of Court’s office can assist with record requests directly. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are managed by the Craven County Clerk of Court and can also be obtained through the North Carolina Vital Records office. Property records are maintained by the Craven County Assessor and Recorder’s offices, with many of these documents accessible online. To navigate general public records requests, residents should be aware of the North Carolina Public Records Law, which stipulates that most records are accessible upon request, typically processed within 5 to 10 business days. This system reflects the city’s commitment to transparency and accessibility, ensuring that residents can easily locate the information they need.

  New Bern, North Carolina Public Records & Government Resources

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement in Craven County operates through multiple agencies working within their jurisdictions. Beyond the county Sheriff's Office, municipal departments in New Bern, Havelock, and Vanceboro handle policing within their city limits. These local departments coordinate with the Sheriff's Office when major crimes occur or regional safety efforts require a unified response. The collaborative approach ensures that communities throughout the county receive comprehensive law enforcement coverage regardless of which agency patrols their neighborhood.

Jail & Inmate Records

Anyone arrested in Craven County passes through the Craven County Detention Center, which serves as the primary jail facility for the area. The center processes individuals during booking and holds them pending trial or release. Those searching for information about current detainees can use the facility's inmate lookup services. Visitation at the detention center follows specific rules, typically requiring advance appointments and strict adherence to security protocols.

Arrest Records

The Craven County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, making them available to residents and attorneys under North Carolina Public Records Law. These records document an individual's personal information, arrest details, charges filed, and which agency made the arrest. Anyone seeking copies can submit requests directly to the Sheriff's Office, where staff provide guidance on the process and explain any fees that apply. The records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions throughout Craven County.

Court Records

Court proceedings and judicial records for the area flow through the Craven County Courthouse in New Bern. The courthouse serves as the central hub where residents can search for criminal records, civil court filings, and other legal documents. Those seeking criminal background checks or court records can access them through the North Carolina Court System's website at https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/court-records/criminal-background-check.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Craven County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Craven County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the state system, which compiles data from various law enforcement agencies. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in Craven County.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What are the school district and education performance data for New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina?
The New Bern-Craven County Schools district serves the city of New Bern and Craven County, North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the district had an overall performance score of 78.2 out of 100 for the 2019-2020 school year. This score is based on student performance on state tests, graduation rates, and other factors.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the total number of reported crimes in New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina in 2019 was 2,845. Of those, there were 1,845 larceny/theft offenses, 545 burglaries, 462 assaults, and 93 motor vehicle thefts.
The New Bern Public Library in Craven 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 New Bern North Carolina Archives and Genealogy at https://archives.ncdcr.gov/. Contact the New Bern Public Library reference desk at (252) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The New Bern-Craven County Public Library is located at 400 Johnson Street, New Bern, NC 28560.
Fingerprinting services for New Bern, North Carolina residents are provided at the New Bern Police Department, which serves Craven 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 New Bern 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/.
The Craven County Register of Deeds office is responsible for issuing vital records for New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina. To obtain a vital record, you must submit a written request to the Register of Deeds office. The request must include the full name of the person whose record is being requested, the date of the event, and the type of record being requested.

The types of records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees.
ELECTION HUB for New Bern, North Carolina voters

Craven County Board of Elections: The Craven County Board of Elections serves voters in New Bern, NC. Their office is located at 406 Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560. The phone number is (252) 636-6610, and the website is https://www.cravencountync.gov/1053/Board-of-Elections.

New Bern residents can register to vote online at the North Carolina State Board of Elections website (https://www.ncsbe.gov/voters/register-vote). The voter registration deadline is 25 days before an election. To register, you will need a North Carolina driver's licens
The New Bern City Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining and providing access to a variety of public records, including city council meeting minutes, ordinances, and resolutions. Residents and interested parties can visit the city's website at https://www.newbernnc.gov/departments/administration/index.php to learn more about the records available and how to request them.
Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, for New Bern and Craven County are maintained by the North Carolina Vital Records Office. Individuals can request copies of these records by visiting the state's website at https://vitalrecords.nc.gov/ or contacting the local register of deeds office.
The New Bern business community is supported by the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce, which provides resources and information for local businesses. Companies operating in the city can access business licenses, permits, and other relevant public records through the city's website at https://www.newbernnc.gov/departments/planning_and_inspections/index.php.
The Craven County Register of Deeds office is responsible for issuing vital records for New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina. To obtain a vital record, you must submit a written request to the Register of Deeds office. The request must include the full name of the person whose record is being requested, the date of the event, and the type of record being requested.

The types of records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. The address for the Craven County Register of Deeds office is:

Craven County Register of Deeds

406 Craven Street

New Bern, NC 28560

For more information, you can visit the Craven County Register of Deeds website at https://www.cravencountync.gov/departments/register-of-deeds/.
The New Bern-Craven County Schools district serves the city of New Bern and Craven County, North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the district had an overall performance score of 78.2 out of 100 for the 2019-2020 school year. This score is based on student performance on state tests, graduation rates, and other factors.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the total number of reported crimes in New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina in 2019 was 2,845. Of those, there were 1,845 larceny/theft offenses, 545 burglaries, 462 assaults, and 93 motor vehicle thefts.
Yes, you can find public records in the New Bern-Craven County Public Library. The library has a variety of resources available, including local and state government documents, census records, and other public records. Additionally, the library offers access to online databases and digital collections, which can be used to search for public records.
The New Bern-Craven County Public Library is located at 400 Johnson Street, New Bern, NC 28560.
The Craven County Sheriff's Office provides fingerprinting services for the City of New Bern and Craven County. The office is located at 1100 Clarks Rd, New Bern, NC 28562. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (252) 636-6620.
  Nearby Cities in Craven County, North Carolina

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StateNorth Carolina
CountyCraven
Population31373
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