Transfers

The Department of Adult Correction coordinates transfers of incarcerated people from one prison to another to enhance public safety and to ensure appropriate housing assignments and rehabilitative services. There are two types of transfers – mandatory transfers required to meet operational demands and discretionary transfers requested by the incarcerated person.

Frequently asked questions about transfers between prisons

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To be eligible to request a transfer, a person typically must meet the following minimum requirements.

  • Must have resided at the current facility for a minimum of six months.
  • Must be free of infractions for a minimum of 90 days.

Each facility has a different process for requesting a transfer. The incarcerated person should begin by talking to the case manager about the reasons for the transfer and possible transfer options. The case manager will provide information about transfer eligibility and how to apply.

The incarcerated person is the only person that can request a discretionary transfer. You should direct any questions you have regarding transfers to the incarcerated person. Please do not contact the prison facility about transfer requests.

Many factors must be considered in reviewing a request for a transfer, including those set forth below. 

  • Security
  • Custody level
  • Jobs
  • Programs
  • Education
  • Medical needs
  • Available bed space
  • Other operational needs

An incarcerated person does not have a right to a transfer. A transfer may be denied for many reasons, including any of the factors listed above

Once a person is approved for a transfer, the person will be placed on the backlog for transfer to the specific facility. Actual transfer will occur once bed space becomes available at the requested facility.

If a person gets a disciplinary infraction while on the backlog, the person will be removed from the backlog and the clock starts again. The person will have to be free of infractions for at least 90 days before requesting another transfer

While a transfer typically should occur within 90 days, transfers currently are delayed for two main reasons. First, staffing shortages have resulted in the closure many housing areas and the transfer of inmates to other facilities on a priority basis. Second, systemwide initiative to install air conditioning and make other structural improvements has caused temporary bed closures and generated more priority transfers. Consequently, transfers currently may take six months or more

The visitation list remains active after when a person transfers to a different facility. Friends and family should contact the new facility and make an appointment for visitation in accordance with that facility’s policies.

For security purposes, DAC will not share the specific date or time for a transfer. However, family and friends can visit www.dac.nc.gov to confirm a person’s location. If you have a scheduled visit with a person in a DAC facility, you are encouraged confirm the person’s location prior to your visit.

Visit www.dac.nc.gov to learn more about facilities statewide, including location, custody level, and available programs.

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