Smithfield Public Records Directory

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

  About Smithfield City Government
Annual Budget $15.3 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

Smithfield, North Carolina, is governed by the Smithfield Town Council, which consists of five members. Council members are elected at-large by the citizens of Smithfield for four-year terms. The current council includes Mayor Andy Moore, along with council members John B. McGee, Jr., Marsha D. Daughtry, and others, who work collaboratively to manage town affairs and implement local policies.

For the fiscal year 2023-2024, Smithfield's approximate annual operating budget is $15.3 million. This budget supports various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community development initiatives, reflecting the town's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

The Smithfield Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Smithfield Town Hall, located at 350 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About Smithfield, North Carolina

Nestled in the heart of Johnston County, Smithfield, North Carolina, serves as a charming hub for both residents and visitors. With a population of approximately 12,439, this small city boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in the early 18th century. Smithfield's vibrant neighborhoods, such as the historic downtown area and the suburban McCullers neighborhood, offer a blend of modern living and historic charm. The local economy thrives primarily on agriculture, manufacturing, and retail, with notable employers including John Deere and Smithfield Foods, which plays a significant role in the town's identity. Smithfield is particularly distinctive for its annual events, such as the popular Ham & Yam Festival, which celebrates the region's agricultural roots and fosters community connections. The town's proximity to major highways and the nearby capital city of Raleigh further enhances its appeal, making it an attractive place for families and businesses alike.

Law enforcement in Smithfield is primarily handled by the Smithfield Police Department, a dedicated team committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community. In addition to the local police forces, the Johnston County Sheriff's Office oversees law enforcement duties in the surrounding unincorporated areas and operates the Johnston County Jail, which serves as the county's detention facility. For those seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history information, the process is straightforward. Individuals can start by visiting the Smithfield Police Department's records unit, where they can submit a request for police reports or other related documents. If the records pertain to incidents handled by the county sheriff, it may be necessary to reach out directly to the Johnston County Sheriff's Office. Additionally, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation offers a comprehensive criminal repository that allows for statewide background checks. Online portals are also available, providing convenient access to certain public records, enabling citizens to perform criminal history checks from the comfort of their homes.

In terms of judicial matters, the Johnston County Superior and District Courts serve Smithfield, handling a variety of civil and criminal cases. To request court records, individuals can utilize the online portal provided by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts or visit the courthouse in person to speak with the clerk. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained from the Johnston County Clerk of Court or through the North Carolina Vital Records office. For property records, residents can contact the Johnston County Tax Assessor’s office and the Register of Deeds, both of which maintain comprehensive records of real estate transactions. Moreover, under the North Carolina Public Records Law, general public records requests can be made to various local government entities, with typical response timelines ranging from 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and accessibility for the community. Overall, Smithfield exemplifies a small-town atmosphere combined with efficient governance and a commitment to public service, making it an exemplary place to live and work.

  Smithfield, North Carolina Public Records & Government Resources

About Smithfield

Nestled in the heart of Johnston County, Smithfield, North Carolina, serves as a charming hub for both residents and visitors. With a population of approximately 11,527, this small city boasts a rich history, vibrant community, and a range of public records accessible to the public.

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

Smithfield and Johnston County court records, including criminal, civil, and family court proceedings, are maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. Individuals can access these records through the state's criminal records search portal: https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/court-records/criminal-background-check

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 Smithfield maintains a comprehensive records section on its official website, providing access to various public documents, including meeting minutes, ordinances, and reports. Residents and interested parties can visit the Town Clerk's page to learn more about accessing these records: http://www.smithfield-nc.com/Pages/Departments/Clerk/Town_Clerk.html

Economy & Demographics

Smithfield's economy is diverse, with a mix of industries and businesses contributing to the city's overall prosperity. Public records related to the local economy, such as economic development initiatives, major employers, and tax information, can be found on the Town of Smithfield's website: http://www.smithfield-nc.com/Pages/Departments/Planning/Economic_Development.html

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Smithfield Police Department, located at http://www.smithfield-nc.com/Pages/Departments/Police/Police_Dept.html, is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city. The department's public records include incident reports, arrest logs, and other law enforcement-related information, which can be requested through the appropriate channels.

Vital Records

Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, for Smithfield and Johnston County are managed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Individuals can request these records through the state's vital records portal: https://vitalrecords.nc.gov/

Business & Licensing Records

The Town of Smithfield's website features a dedicated section for business-related public records, including information on local licensing, permits, and zoning. Entrepreneurs and business owners can explore this section to learn more about the city's requirements and regulations: http://www.smithfield-nc.com/Pages/Departments/Planning/Planning_Dept.html

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the Town of Smithfield, 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.
The Smithfield-Selma school district is located in Johnston County, North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the district had an overall performance grade of "C" for the 2018-2019 school year. The district had a graduation rate of 87.3%, a college and career readiness rate of 57.3%, and a student growth score of 57.7%.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the crime rate in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina for 2019 was 1,845.7 per 100,000 people. This is lower than the national average of 3,820.5 per 100,000 people. The most common crimes in Smithfield were larceny/theft (1,039.3 per 100,000 people), burglary (541.2 per 100,000 people), and motor vehicle theft (265.2 per 100,000 people).
The Smithfield 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 Smithfield North Carolina Archives and Genealogy at https://archives.ncdcr.gov/. Contact the Smithfield Public Library reference desk at (919) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina Library is located at 305 East Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577.
Fingerprinting services for Smithfield, North Carolina residents are provided at the Smithfield 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 Smithfield 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 Smithfield, 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 any of these records, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. You must also pay a fee for each record requested.
A background check in Smithfield, 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 Selma