North Carolina Dept of Public Safety & Corrections (NCDPS)

North Carolina houses approximately 38,000 inmates in 56 state prison facilities.

Prisons receive felons and misdemeanants sentenced by the court to a period of active incarceration. The offenders are taken to one of nine prison receiving centers where they are put through a series of evaluations including medical and mental health screening. Based on this information, the offender is assigned to the most appropriate custody classification and prison.

Classification within the system depends upon the seriousness of the crime, the willingness of the inmate to obey rules and regulations and the perceived potential for escape. Prison administration provides appropriately secure facilities in three main inmate custody levels:

Close Custody

Inmates need extra security but do not need the more stringent security of maximum custody. Basic education, counseling and work programs are available to inmates in close custody.

Medium Custody

Prisons have all programs and activities operating within the unit. Programs include academic and vocational education, substance abuse treatment, psychological and other counseling programs and varied work assignments. When working outside the prison, inmates are under the supervision of armed personnel.

Minimum Custody

Inmates with only misdemeanor convictions are housed in minimum custody, and felons may be promoted to minimum custody during routine reviews if considered appropriate. There are three levels of minimum custody with level three being the least restrictive.

Minimum Custody Level 1

Inmates in this level may work on the grounds or away from the prison facility as long as a correctional officer or agent is with them.

Minimum Custody Level 2

Inmates may work on the grounds or away from the prison facility with an assigned supervisor from another government agency. They can also be eligible for short-term community passes with a trained volunteer who is certified to work with inmates.

Minimum Custody Level 3

Inmates may be away from the prison facility for specific programs such as work release, home leave, jobs, school or other kinds of training. Inmates are not supervised by correctional staff during these activities.

North Carolina Department of Public Safety & Corrections (NCDPS) Facilities: