Selma Public Records Directory

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

  About Selma City Government
Annual Budget $5.5 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Selma, North Carolina, is the Selma Town Council, which consists of six members. Council members are elected at-large by the citizens of Selma for a term length of four years. The council includes a Mayor, currently Charles H. "Chuck" Allen, who is also elected at-large, and five council members who serve alongside him.

For the fiscal year 2022-2023, Selma's approximate annual operating budget is $5.5 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community development initiatives.

The Selma Town Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. Meetings are conducted at the Selma Town Hall, located at 114 N. Raiford Street, Selma, NC 27576. These sessions are open to the public, allowing residents to engage with their local government and participate in community discussions.

  About Selma, North Carolina

Nestled in the heart of Johnston County, Selma, North Carolina, is a vibrant town with a population of approximately 7,400 residents. Its founding dates back to 1867, a period marked by post-Civil War reconstruction that set the stage for the town's growth. Selma is known for its historic downtown area, which features a mix of charming shops and restaurants, and is home to several notable neighborhoods such as the picturesque Selma Historic District and the family-friendly community of West Selma. The local economy thrives on a blend of small businesses and larger employers, including the nearby R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, which has historically played a significant role in the region’s economy. What distinguishes Selma is its rich cultural heritage, with events like the annual Selma Railroad Days celebrating the town's deep connection to the rail industry, ensuring that both residents and visitors can experience the community's unique character.

Law enforcement within Selma is primarily served by the Selma Police Department, which works diligently to maintain safety and security in the community. Additionally, the Johnston County Sheriff's Office plays a critical role in broader law enforcement efforts across the county. The Johnston County Detention Center serves as the local jail facility, housing individuals who have been arrested in the area. For those seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history information, the process typically begins at the local police records unit, where individuals can request documents directly from the Selma Police Department. If further information is needed, inquiries can be made with the Johnston County Sheriff's Office. For more comprehensive searches, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation maintains a criminal repository that allows access to statewide criminal records. Online lookup portals may also be available, providing a user-friendly option to access certain law enforcement documents and records from the comfort of home.

In terms of judicial processes, the courts serving Selma are part of the Johnston County Superior and District Court system. Residents looking to request court records have options for both online and in-person access. The Johnston County Clerk of Court provides an online portal for easy retrieval of case files, while individuals can also visit the clerk’s office in person for assistance. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be requested through the Johnston County Register of Deeds or the North Carolina Division of Public Health, ensuring that these essential documents are readily accessible. Property records can be obtained from the Johnston County Assessor’s Office and the Register of Deeds, with online portals facilitating efficient searches. Finally, under the North Carolina Public Records Law, general public records can be requested from various governmental bodies, with typical response times ranging from 5 to 10 business days, thereby promoting transparency and community engagement in Selma’s local governance.

  Selma, North Carolina Public Records & Government Resources

About Selma

Nestled in the heart of Johnston County, Selma, North Carolina, is a vibrant town with a population of approximately 6,449 residents. Its founding dates back to 1867, a period marked by post-Civil War reconstruction. Selma is home to two ZIP codes: 27577 and 27576. The town boasts a strong local government with an official town website at http://www.selma-nc.com, as well as dedicated police and fire departments.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Johnston County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Smithfield Police Department, Clayton Police Department, and Selma Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing. These agencies often collaborate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and regional initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage and coordination across Johnston County.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Johnston County Detention Center, located in Smithfield, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup is available through the Johnston County Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance, with strict guidelines on what can be brought into the visitation area.

Court Records

Selma falls under the jurisdiction of the Johnston County court system. The Selma North Carolina Criminal Records Search and Depository at https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/court-records/criminal-background-check provides access to court records, including criminal proceedings and civil cases involving Selma residents and businesses.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Johnston County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Johnston County Clerk of Court maintains court records, while the Sheriff's Office handles arrest and incident reports. Residents can run a background check through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which provides a comprehensive criminal history for individuals within the state.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Johnston County are maintained by the Johnston County Sheriff's Office and the various municipal police departments within the county. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting these agencies directly, often requiring a formal written request or visiting in person. A Johnston County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the offense, and the arresting agency.
North Carolina's public records law, known as the North Carolina Public Records Law, ensures transparency and public access to such records, although certain restrictions apply to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.

Public Records Access

The Town of Selma maintains a variety of public records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. These can be accessed through the Town Clerk's office at http://www.selma-nc.com/administration. Additionally, the Selma North Carolina Criminal Records Search and Depository at https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/court-records/criminal-background-check provides access to criminal records for the area.

Economy & Demographics

Selma's economy is anchored by a mix of industries, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. Major employers in the town include Johnston Health, a regional healthcare provider, as well as several manufacturing and distribution facilities. The town's economic development efforts are focused on attracting new businesses and supporting the growth of existing ones, which can be tracked through the town's website at http://www.selma-nc.com.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Town of Selma Police Department, located at http://www.selma-nc.com/police, is responsible for law enforcement and public safety within the town's limits. The department works closely with the Johnston County Sheriff's Office and other regional law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of Selma's residents and visitors.

Vital Records

Selma's vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are managed by the Town Clerk's office. Residents can obtain copies of these documents by contacting the clerk at http://www.selma-nc.com/administration. The office also handles other important municipal records, including property deeds and tax assessments.

Business & Licensing Records

The Town of Selma is home to a diverse range of businesses, from local shops and restaurants to larger commercial enterprises. The town's economic development efforts are coordinated through the local government, which can be accessed at http://www.selma-nc.com. Businesses in Selma are required to obtain the necessary licenses and permits, which are also managed by the town.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Selma, Johnston County, North Carolina to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the Town of Selma, North Carolina, you will be transported to the Johnston 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 Johnston 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 Johnston 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.
Selma is located in Johnston County Schools, which is part of the Johnston County Public School System. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the district's overall performance grade for the 2019-2020 school year was a B. The district's graduation rate was 89.3%, and the district's average SAT score was 1020.
The most recent crime statistics for Selma, Johnston County, North Carolina are from the year 2019. In 2019, there were a total of 1,845 reported crimes in Selma, Johnston County, North Carolina. Of those reported crimes, there were 1,717 property crimes and 128 violent crimes. The crime rate for Selma, Johnston County, North Carolina was 3,845.7 per 100,000 people.
The Selma Public Library in Johnston 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 Selma North Carolina Archives and Genealogy at https://archives.ncdcr.gov/. Contact the Selma Public Library reference desk at (919) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Selma, Johnston County, North Carolina Library is located at 114 N. Pollock Street, Selma, NC 27576.
Fingerprinting services for Selma, North Carolina residents are provided at the Selma Police Department, which serves Johnston 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 Selma Police Department at (919) 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 from Selma, Johnston County, North Carolina, you must contact the Johnston County Register of Deeds office.

The vital records available from the Johnston County Register of Deeds include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. To obtain a copy of a vital record, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person named on the record, and the appropriate fee.
A background check in Selma, Johnston County, North Carolina typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in North Carolina. Criminal background checks are processed through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for North Carolina residents. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.ncdoj.gov/public-safety-and-crime-prevention/criminal-records/. Under the North Carolina Public Records Law, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Johnston County, North Carolina

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Benson Smithfield