Attempting to gather information on Gaston County arrest warrants through the sheriff’s department website proved to be a fruitless endeavor.
While the site does provide access to arrest records, it conspicuously lacks any listing of active warrants or updates from the police blotter. Such omissions raise questions about transparency and public access to law enforcement data, a concern in an age when digital openness should be the norm.
I was surprised to know that the agency does not have a record division. At first, I reckoned that they must get the administrative staff to handle arrest report inquiries. Then I found that their website has no mention of a criminal check facility or a warrant search service.
So, you get three choices. You can either take your chances by visiting the agency for a warrant list, make do with the arrest log on the website or seek criminal court records from the judiciary. Continue reading to know what will be your takeaway from each of these options:
How do I get information from Gaston Police in response to an arrest report inquiry?
- Find the arrests log online: In my opinion, this tool is no different from the offender search feature available on the websites of many other law enforcement agencies across the country. Standard staff can look for information on an arrestee using the detainee’s name or the global subject number.
The unique thing is that the arrest records date back to two years. This means that you could find information on your subject even if he is out and about now but was detained at some point in the last two years.
- Request your offender search in person: Going to the sheriff’s office for a warrant inquiry is another option. Although not as easy as an online inquiry, it will get you pertinent and elaborate information on your subject if they allow you to conduct a criminal check on this individual. The law enforcement agency can be contacted at 425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA.
- Please write to the agency: This is the last option for launching a criminal search through the police. You can connect with the division of the sheriff’s office in charge of handling records and offering fingerprinting and licensing services. This can be done by writing to them at [email protected]. This move will get you information on the warrant search process and what kind of information you can expect in response to your warrant inquiry.
Sex Offenders Search in the Gaston County 2024
According to North Carolina General Statutes, the Sex Offender Registry must be maintained by each Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina. When a sex offender is sentenced in court and required to register by the judge, the laws mandate that the offender report immediately to the Sheriff’s Office in the county where they may live. After the Sheriff’s Office registers a convicted sex offender, the offender receives a resident verification letter on or around their registration anniversary date. The procedure is then repeated every six months after that.
The defendant must appear in person at the Sheriff’s Office to confirm that he or she still resides at the address on paper. The defendant meets the General Statutes’ provisions whether he or she follows any of the residential and educational requirements and is not on active probation.
This division’s primary duty is to register convicted sex offenders as mandated by statute. Deputies will report sex offenders who have been released from prison or who have relocated to Gaston County from another county or state. These deputies are also in charge of investigating any allegations that have been made. According to North Carolina General Statute, the address of a registered sex offender must be verified every six months. Every three months, the Sheriff requires his deputies to check a sex offender’s address physically.
Call this phone number (704) 862-6677 for more details for sex offenders inquiries or if you have any questions.
What is the best way to access criminal court records from Gaston County judicial offices?
Like their brethren from law enforcement, I found the judiciary reluctant to offer criminal court records online. But, they provide two facilities that can be accessed once you go to see them in person. First, let me tell you where to find them. Superior Court’s Clerk works right next door from the sheriff’s dept at 325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Suite 1004, Gastonia, NC 28052-2331.
- You can use the computers in the lobby, which are meant for public use, to find a court docket free of charge.
- You can pay $25 and ask them to conduct an all-out background check for you. This facility is also offered through mail. Send in your request by using the form here.
If you need information on Gaston County’s recent arrest and warrants, whom should you call? (In 2024)
- To know about general law and order issues, contact the Sheriff’s Department at 704-869-6800.
- To get arrest records, contact the Gaston County Police Department at 704-866-3320.
- To find out about recent arrests, contact the Gaston County Jail at 704-869-6800.
- To inquire about a criminal matter, contact the Investigation Division at 704-866-3323 (for victims only)
- To learn how to obtain criminal case records, contact the Clerk of Court’s office at 704-852-3100.
- To request victim’s assistance, contact the District Attorney’s Office at 704-852-3116 (Superior Court) and 704-852-3285 (District Court).
Crime Statistics of Gaston County
Here are some key crime statistics and insights for Gaston County, North Carolina:
Crime Rate
Gaston County has a relatively high crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is 47 per 1,000 residents, meaning residents have a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.
Violent Crime
The violent crime rate in Gaston County is concerning:
- Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 127
- Violent crime rate is one of the highest in the nation for communities of all sizes
- Murder rate is higher than the national average
Property Crime
Property crime is also a significant issue:
- Chance of being a victim of property crime: 1 in 26
- Property crime rate: 39 per 1,000 population
- High rate of motor vehicle theft – 1 in 242 chance of having your car stolen
Crime Breakdown
| Crime Type | Number of Crimes | Rate per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Murder | 8 | 0.10 |
| Rape | 27 | 0.33 |
| Robbery | 99 | 1.20 |
| Assault | 518 | 6.27 |
| Total Violent | 652 | 7.89 |
| Property | 3,228 | 39.05 |
| Total | 3,880 | 46.94 |
Contributing Factors
Several factors may contribute to the higher crime rates in Gaston County:
- Socioeconomic conditions
- Population density
- Community involvement levels
- Substance abuse issues
- Availability of firearms
Crime Prevention Efforts
To address crime issues, Gaston County law enforcement and community organizations are likely focusing on:
- Community policing initiatives
- Youth intervention programs
- Substance abuse treatment and prevention
- Economic development efforts
- Improving education and job opportunities
crime can vary significantly between neighborhoods. Residents and visitors should research specific areas, stay aware of their surroundings, and take common-sense precautions to enhance personal safety.
The Gaston County Sheriff’s Department filed roughly 22 criminal reports in 2019. Surprisingly, only 5 of the offenses reported were property crimes. In fact, the property crime rate of the area was nearly 1/3rd of the violent crime rate, which is in striking contrast to the trend in the other counties of North Carolina. The police filed 17 complaints against violent crimes, all of which were matters pertaining to aggravated assault.