Famous Prisons in the State of North Carolina
North Carolina, also known as the Tar Heel State, is home to several famous prisons, both past, and present. From maximum-security facilities to medium-security facilities, North Carolina prisons have housed some of the most notorious criminals in the country. In this article, we will discuss some of the most famous prisons in the state of North Carolina.
1. Central Prison
Central Prison, located in Raleigh, is one of the oldest and largest maximum-security prisons in North Carolina. The prison, which opened in 1884, houses over 1,000 inmates, many of whom are serving life sentences. The prison is also home to North Carolina’s death row, which houses inmates awaiting execution. Inmates at Central Prison participate in a variety of programs, including education and vocational training.
2. Marion Correctional Institution
Marion Correctional Institution, located in Marion, is a medium-security prison that has gained notoriety for its tough approach to rehabilitation. The prison offers several programs, including educational and vocational training, but also has a reputation for being one of the most punitive prisons in the state.
3. Brown Creek Correctional Institution
Brown Creek Correctional Institution, located in Polkton, is a medium-security prison that is known for its unique approach to rehabilitation. The prison offers a variety of programs, including vocational training and counseling, but also has a strong focus on agriculture. Inmates at Brown Creek work on a 3,000-acre farm, where they grow crops and raise livestock.
4. Tabor Correctional Institution
Tabor Correctional Institution, located in Tabor City, is a medium-security prison that has been in operation since 2008. The prison has gained notoriety for its overcrowding, which has led to several violent incidents. Despite this, the prison offers a variety of programs, including educational and vocational training.
5. North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women
The North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women, located in Raleigh, is the state’s primary correctional facility for women. The prison houses over 1,000 inmates and offers a variety of programs, including educational and vocational training. The prison also has a reputation for being one of the most progressive prisons in the state, offering several programs designed to help inmates prepare for life after prison.
6. Pasquotank Correctional Institution
Pasquotank Correctional Institution, located in Elizabeth City, is a medium-security prison that gained notoriety in 2017 when four inmates attempted to escape, resulting in the deaths of two prison employees. Despite this, the prison offers several programs, including educational and vocational training, and has a strong focus on mental health.
7. Forsyth Correctional Center
Forsyth Correctional Center, located in Winston-Salem, is a medium-security prison that is unique in that it is one of the few prisons in the state that offers a work-release program. Inmates at Forsyth work for local businesses during the day and return to the prison at night.
8. Foothills Correctional Institution
Foothills Correctional Institution, located in Morganton, is a medium-security prison that is known for its unique approach to rehabilitation. The prison offers several programs, including educational and vocational training, but also has a strong focus on faith-based rehabilitation.
9. Johnston Correctional Institution
Johnston Correctional Institution, located in Smithfield, is a medium-security prison that has gained notoriety for its innovative approach to rehabilitation. The prison offers several programs, including educational and vocational training, but also has a strong focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy.
10. Lanesboro Correctional Institution
Lanesboro Correctional Institution, located in Polkton, is a medium-security prison that is unique in that it is the only prison in North Carolina that is run by a private company. The prison, which opened in 2011, has gained notoriety for its high staff turnover rate, which has led to several security incidents. Despite this, the prison offers several programs, including educational and vocational training.
11. Caledonia Correctional Institution
Caledonia Correctional Institution, located in Tillery, is a medium-security prison that is unique in that it is the only prison in North Carolina that offers a canine training program. Inmates at Caledonia work with dogs to teach them basic obedience and prepare them for adoption.
12. Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution
Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution, located in Spruce Pine, is a medium-security prison that is known for its unique approach to rehabilitation. The prison offers several programs, including educational and vocational training, but also has a strong focus on drug and alcohol addiction recovery.
13. Odom Correctional Institution
Odom Correctional Institution, located in Jackson, is a medium-security prison that is unique in that it offers a horticulture program. Inmates at Odom work in a greenhouse, where they grow plants and flowers, which are sold to local businesses.
14. Albemarle Correctional Institution
Albemarle Correctional Institution, located in Badin, is a medium-security prison that is known for its unique approach to rehabilitation. The prison offers several programs, including educational and vocational training, but also has a strong focus on restorative justice.
15. Scotland Correctional Institution
Scotland Correctional Institution, located in Laurinburg, is a medium-security prison that has gained notoriety for its focus on re-entry programs. The prison offers several programs designed to help inmates prepare for life after prison, including job training and education.
In conclusion, North Carolina is home to several famous prisons, each with its own unique approach to rehabilitation. From maximum-security facilities to medium-security facilities, North Carolina prisons offer a variety of programs designed to help inmates prepare for life after prison. Despite their reputations, these prisons play an important role in the state’s criminal justice system.
FAQs
- What is the oldest prison in North Carolina?
- The oldest prison in North Carolina is Central Prison, located in Raleigh.
- What is the most famous prison in North Carolina?
- Central Prison is the most famous prison in North Carolina, as it is the state’s primary maximum-security facility and houses North Carolina’s death row.
- Does North Carolina have any privately-run prisons?
- Yes, North Carolina has one privately-run prison: Lanesboro Correctional Institution.
- What types of rehabilitation programs do North Carolina prisons offer?
- North Carolina prisons offer a variety of rehabilitation programs, including educational and vocational training, faith-based programs, and drug and alcohol addiction recovery programs.
- How many prisons are in North Carolina?
- North Carolina has 55 prisons, including 3 federal prisons and 52 state prisons.
