About Bertie County
Bertie County is located in the northeastern coastal plain region of North Carolina, bounded by the Roanoke and Chowan Rivers. Established in 1722, it is one of North Carolina's oldest counties, named after James and Henry Bertie, two Lords Proprietors of colonial Carolina. The county seat is Windsor, a historic town situated along the Cashie River. Bertie County encompasses approximately 699 square miles of land and water, with a population of roughly 19,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
The county is characterized by fertile agricultural lands, extensive wetlands, and significant forested areas. Major landmarks include Historic Hope Plantation, a premier example of Federal-period architecture and one of North Carolina's most important historic sites, and the Roanoke-Cashie River Center, which celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of the region. The county's economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly peanuts, soybeans, corn, and timber production.
Bertie County maintains its public records through several key offices: the Bertie County Register of Deeds located at 106 Dundee Street, Windsor, NC 27983, handles property and land records; the Clerk of Superior Court at the Bertie County Courthouse, 106 Dundee Street, manages court filings and certain vital records; and the Tax Assessor's office maintains property valuation and tax records. What makes Bertie County unique is its deep colonial history, rural character, and position along two major river systems that have shaped its development for three centuries.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Bertie County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of the county. The office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, managing the county jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and collaborates with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety. Notable divisions within the office include the criminal investigations division and the narcotics unit, which focus on solving crimes and combating drug-related issues in the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Bertie County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by municipal police departments, including the Windsor Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective jurisdictions, handling local crime, and enforcing laws. The Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments often collaborate on major investigations and share resources to effectively address crime across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Bertie County is provided primarily by the Bertie County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 102 South King Street, Windsor, NC 27983. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (252) 794-5330 and maintains jurisdiction throughout the county's unincorporated areas and provides support to municipal agencies. The official website for the Sheriff's Office can be accessed through the county's main government portal at www.co.bertie.nc.us.
- Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, either in person at the King Street address or by submitting a written public records request.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in North Carolina and may be available upon request to the Sheriff's Office, though policies regarding digital distribution may vary.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Windsor Police Department, serving the county seat, and the Aulander Police Department in the town of Aulander. Arrest records and booking information in Bertie County are maintained by the Sheriff's Office and are subject to public inspection under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1, the state's public records law, which mandates that most arrest records are public unless specifically exempted. The Bertie County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
Inmate lookup and jail roster information can typically be obtained by calling the detention center directly at (252) 794-5330 or by visiting the facility in person during business hours. Some North Carolina counties participate in the state's online Offender Public Information system, though availability varies by jurisdiction. North Carolina law requires that arrest records be made available for inspection within a reasonable time frame, typically during normal business hours.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Bertie County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Bertie County Sheriff's Office maintains many of these records, while the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the State Bureau's online portal, which offers comprehensive information on an individual's criminal history.
- The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about registered offenders in their area.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Bertie County are maintained by the Bertie County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within the county, including the charges, arresting officer, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office, often requiring a formal written request. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arrest date.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Bertie-Martin Regional Jail serves as the primary detention facility for Bertie County. The jail handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and processed. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules at the facility require visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in North Carolina allows arrested individuals to secure their release pending trial, typically through cash payment or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Bertie County are taken and retained by the Bertie County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. While some third-party websites may offer mugshot lookup services, the most reliable source is the official Sheriff's Office.
Courts & Case Records
The Bertie County court system operates under the unified North Carolina court structure and is headquartered at the Bertie County Courthouse, 106 Dundee Street, Windsor, NC 27983. The courthouse can be reached at (252) 794-5800. Bertie County is part of North Carolina's Sixth Judicial District for District Court matters and is served by North Carolina Superior Court, which handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, and appeals from lower courts.
- District Court in Bertie County has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $25,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, juvenile cases, and estates.
- North Carolina provides public access to court records through several mechanisms.
- Fees for court record copies in Bertie County typically follow the state schedule: $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page of most documents, with certified copies requiring an additional fee.
The Clerk of Superior Court, located at the courthouse, maintains all court records, including civil and criminal case files, estate files, special proceedings, and land records filed with the court. The statewide electronic case management system can be accessed through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website at www.nccourts.gov, where users can search criminal and civil cases, though some case types may have restricted access to protect privacy. Under North Carolina General Statute § 7A-109, court records are generally public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific confidentiality provisions.
Estate files, including wills and probate records, are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court and are public records available for inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Bertie County are maintained by the Bertie County Register of Deeds, located at 106 Dundee Street, Windsor, NC 27983. The Register of Deeds office can be contacted at (252) 794-5315 and operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours. The Register of Deeds is the official custodian of all land records including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, UCC financing statements, plat maps, subdivision plans, and other instruments affecting real property titles.
- There is typically no fee for conducting online searches, though downloading or printing documents may require payment.
- Certified copies of recorded instruments can be requested in person or by mail, with fees set by North Carolina statute at $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Bertie County also offers a GIS mapping system and parcel viewer accessible through the county website, allowing users to view property boundaries, tax parcels, zoning information, and ownership data free of charge.
North Carolina law requires that most land records be recorded in the county where the property is located, and these records date back to the county's establishment in 1722, though many early records were lost to courthouse fires and deterioration. The Bertie County Register of Deeds office provides an online search portal accessible through the county website at www.co.bertie.nc.us, where users can search deed records, land records, and recorded instruments by grantor, grantee, book and page, or parcel identifier. Property tax records and assessments are maintained by the Bertie County Tax Assessor's office at 106 Dundee Street, Windsor, NC 27983, phone (252) 794-5314.
The Tax Assessor maintains property valuation records, tax maps, parcel data, and ownership information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Bertie County, North Carolina, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, are handled through multiple offices depending on the record type. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records Section, located at 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903.
- The fee for a certified birth or death certificate in North Carolina is $24.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Processing time varies but typically ranges from 7 to 10 business days when applying in person at the local Register of Deeds office, or 4 to 6 weeks when applying by mail through the state office.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, with expedited processing available for an additional fee.
- Marriage licenses in Bertie County are issued by the Bertie County Register of Deeds office at the Windsor address.
- The marriage license fee is $60.00, and there is no waiting period or blood test required in North Carolina.
However, applications for certified copies of birth and death certificates can also be submitted through the Bertie County Register of Deeds office at 106 Dundee Street, Windsor, NC 27983, which serves as a local issuing agent. Under North Carolina General Statute § 130A-93, birth and death records are not public records but are confidential and only available to authorized individuals including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate their eligibility to receive the record.
Divorce records and decrees are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court at the Bertie County Courthouse, 106 Dundee Street, Windsor, NC 27983, as they are judicial records. Certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained from the Clerk's office for the standard copying fees.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Bertie County are maintained through a combination of county and state offices. For business registration and licensing at the county level, entrepreneurs should contact the Bertie County Clerk's Office at the Bertie County Courthouse, 106 Dundee Street, Windsor, NC 27983, phone (252) 794-5800. The County Clerk handles assumed name certificates (doing business as or DBA filings) and certain local business license applications depending on the type of business activity.
- Commercial businesses must also register with the North Carolina Department of Revenue for sales and use tax permits, which can be done online at www.ncdor.gov.
North Carolina requires many businesses to register with the North Carolina Secretary of State, and the statewide business entity search is available online at www.sosnc.gov, where users can search for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered business entities free of charge. The Secretary of State's online Corporate Filings system allows electronic filing of business formation documents, annual reports, and amendments. Businesses operating in Bertie County may need to obtain various permits and licenses depending on their activities.
The Bertie County Planning and Inspections Department, located at 106 Dundee Street, Windsor, NC 27983, phone (252) 794-5323, handles building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, mechanical permits, and zoning compliance for construction and development projects. Professional licenses including those for contractors, electricians, plumbers, real estate agents, and healthcare providers are issued by their respective North Carolina licensing boards at the state level. The Bertie County Chamber of Commerce, located in Windsor, promotes local business development and economic growth, providing networking opportunities, business resources, and advocacy for the county's business community.
Contact information for the Chamber can be found through local business directories and the county's economic development resources.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Bertie County are administered by the Bertie County Board of Elections, located at 106 Dundee Street, Suite G, Windsor, NC 27983. The Board of Elections office can be reached at (252) 794-5349 and operates Monday through Friday during regular business hours. The office is responsible for voter registration, maintaining voter rolls, conducting all federal, state, and local elections, and ensuring compliance with North Carolina election laws.
- North Carolina law requires voters to register at least 25 days before an election in order to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Polling locations are also listed on voter registration cards mailed to registered voters.
- Absentee voting by mail is available to all registered North Carolina voters.
- To request an absentee ballot in Bertie County, voters must complete an absentee ballot request form available on the State Board of Elections website or from the county Board of Elections office.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before the election, and completed ballots must be returned by 5:00 PM on Election Day.
Voter registration in Bertie County can be completed online through the North Carolina State Board of Elections website at www.ncsbe.gov, in person at the Board of Elections office, at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, or by mail using a paper registration form. Voters must be U.S. citizens, residents of North Carolina and their county for at least 30 days before the election, and at least 18 years old by the date of the general election.
To find your polling place in Bertie County, voters can use the polling place lookup tool on the State Board of Elections website by entering their address, or they can contact the Bertie County Board of Elections directly. Early voting is available at designated sites in Bertie County during the weeks preceding each election, with extended hours including evenings and weekends. Election records that are public in North Carolina include voter registration lists, absentee ballot statistics, precinct-level election results, campaign finance reports filed with the State Board of Elections, and candidate filing information.
Under North Carolina General Statute § 163-82.10, voter registration records are public except for certain protected information such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth. In the 2024 general election, Bertie County voter turnout was approximately 58% of registered voters, consistent with turnout patterns in rural northeastern North Carolina counties. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races for North Carolina's congressional districts, North Carolina state legislative races including State Senate and State House seats, and various county and municipal offices. Bertie County provides good transparency regarding election records, with precinct results, voter statistics, and candidate information available through the county Board of Elections and the state elections website.
Economy & Demographics
Bertie County's economy is predominantly rural and agricultural, with farming serving as the backbone of local employment and economic activity. The county is a major producer of peanuts, soybeans, corn, cotton, and sweet potatoes, with agriculture and related industries accounting for a significant portion of the local economy. Timber production and forestry are also economically important given the county's extensive woodland areas.
- According to recent economic data, Bertie County's median household income is approximately $38,000, which is below the North Carolina state median, reflecting the rural and agricultural nature of the local economy.
- Manufacturing has a limited presence compared to agriculture, though there are several small manufacturing facilities processing agricultural products and producing wood products.
The unemployment rate in Bertie County has historically been higher than state and national averages, typically ranging from 6% to 9% depending on seasonal agricultural cycles and broader economic conditions. Major employers in the county include the Bertie County Schools system, which is one of the largest employers, Bertie Correctional Institution (a state prison facility), Vidant the county Hospital, and various agricultural operations and agribusinesses. The county government and healthcare services also provide significant employment.
Economic development efforts focus on leveraging the county's agricultural strengths, improving infrastructure including broadband internet access in rural areas, and attracting businesses that can benefit from the county's location along US Highway 13 and proximity to Interstate 95. The Roanoke River, which forms part of the county's northern boundary, has historically been important for transportation and continues to support recreational activities and tourism. Retail and service sector businesses are concentrated primarily in Windsor and other small towns.
The county faces economic challenges common to rural areas including population decline, limited diversification, and the need for workforce development and infrastructure investment.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail (State Restrictions) | Business: ✅ Online (State Level) | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 7/10 — Bertie County provides good digital access to property and election records through county and state portals, with court records searchable via the state system, though arrest/jail records and vital records require direct contact.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Bertie County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Bertie County, North Carolina.
Nearby Counties
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