NCDPS - Central Prison

State Prison

Last Updated: February 13, 2024
Address
1300 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606
Beds
1000
County
Wake
Phone
919-733-0800
Fax
919-715-2645

Central Prison is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - maximum facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of NCDPS - Central Prison

You can support your loved ones at Central Prison on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 919-733-0800.

Located at 1300 Western Blvd in Raleigh, NC, Central Prison carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Central Prison offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

Central Prison has a rich history dating back to 1884, making it one of the oldest correctional facilities in continuous service. Serving as the entry point for adult male felons sentenced to 20 years or more, it holds a vital role as the primary medical and mental health center for male inmates. Moreover, it accommodates special populations, including death row inmates and safekeepers.

The prison's capacity is for 1,104 offenders across various custody levels, including close, medium, and minimum security. Over the years, Central Prison has undergone significant development and expansion to meet the evolving needs of its inmate population. In the 1940s, a three-story prison industries building was erected, housing essential facilities such as the state license plate fabrication shop and a comprehensive print shop.

In the subsequent decades, the prison saw further enhancements to its infrastructure, reflecting the growing demand for medical and mental health services within the inmate community. Notable additions include an acute care infirmary hospital equipped with wards for 86 patients, operating rooms, X-ray laboratories, and a pharmacy, established in the 1960s. The 1970s witnessed the construction of two mental health wings, featuring 144 single-bed rooms, to address the mental health needs of inmates.

In response to security requirements and inmate welfare, Central Prison provides diverse job opportunities for inmates, with over 260 job assignments available. These assignments range from working in the kitchen, laundry, or canteen to roles such as barbers, janitors, and clerks. Through meaningful employment, inmates gain valuable skills and responsibilities, contributing to their rehabilitation and reintegration into society upon release.

In addition to vocational opportunities, Central Prison offers inmates access to various rehabilitative and therapeutic programs. These include substance abuse group therapy meetings, Bible studies, and worship services, providing avenues for personal growth, reflection, and spiritual development. Such programs play a crucial role in addressing the underlying issues contributing to inmate incarceration and promoting positive behavioral change.

Overall, Central Prison stands as a cornerstone of North Carolina's correctional system, embodying a commitment to public safety, inmate rehabilitation, and community well-being. With its long-standing legacy and ongoing efforts to meet the diverse needs of its inmate population, Central Prison continues to serve as a vital institution in the state's criminal justice landscape.

Inmate Locator

Central Prison maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

Visits to NCDPS offenders are by appointment only. Call the prison where the offender is housed to schedule an appointment. Visitors should call the prison the day before a scheduled visit to confirm the facility's visitation status. Also, video visitation now is available at most but not all prisons, so family and friends may be able to do a virtual visit if they prefer. Call the prison for additional information on video visitation at the facility.
Visitation by family and friends is encouraged and can make a positive difference during an offender's time in prison. Prison staff understand the importance of offenders maintaining contact with their family and friends. However, offenders can not be assigned to specific facilities within the prison system for the convenience of visitation.

For more information regarding prisons and visitation, please read the Handbook for Family and Friends of Offenders.
The increased safety and security measures are implemented to address, and ultimately eliminate, the introduction of contraband into state prisons. Any refusal to comply with all search procedures will result in the denial of entrance into the facility. Cell phones are considered contraband and are prohibited from all prison facilities. Appropriate attire is required.

Ask The Inmate

Ask a former inmate questions at no charge. The inmate answering has spent considerable time in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and in a prison that was run by the private prison entity CCA. Ask your question or browse previous questions in response to comments or further questions of members of the InmateAid community.