Press Releases

Governor Urges North Carolinians to Stay Alert as Severe Weather Moves Across State

As severe storms move across the state throughout the day into the evening, Governor Roy Cooper encourages North Carolinians to monitor weather forecasts and heed advice from local emergency officials.

Statement from Director of Prisons Kenneth Lassiter on Attack at Lanesboro Correctional Institution This Morning

This morning at approximately 8:30, an inmate assaulted another inmate at Lanesboro Correctional Institution. Correctional officers responded to the situation and one of the inmates turned and assaulted one of the officers.

Safety and Security Improvements Prompt Mission Changes for Several Prison Facilities

The NC Division of Prisons today announced mission changes at several facilities to address safety, security and operational needs.

Inmate Dies in Apparent Suicide

Inmate Jermaine Johnson (#0812684) died Saturday at Marion Correctional Institution after an apparent suicide. He was found unresponsive in his cell at 8:58 p.m. Prison medical staff and local paramedics responded and worked to resuscitate the inmate but were unsuccessful.

First Prison Reform Advisory Board to Meet Tuesday

The Department of Public Safety has announced the first meeting of the Prison Reform Advisory Board will be Tuesday, March 20. Secretary Erik A. Hooks has appointed retired Army Maj. Gen. Elizabeth (Beth) Austin as chairperson for the board.

State Starts New Unit to Combat Cyberattacks

The N.C. Department of Public Safety is partnering with the N.C. Department of Information Technology to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks.

UPDATE: Gaston Correctional Center Inmate Thomas Walker Back in Custody

Gaston Correctional Center minimum custody inmate Thomas Walker (#0421574), who was reported missing from the facility Thursday night, turned himself in to prison authorities Friday at 9:25 p.m. Walker was last seen near the facility at 11:21 p.m. on Thursday.

Gaston Correctional Center Inmate Missing From Facility

State correctional and local law enforcement officers are seeking Gaston Correctional Center minimum custody inmate Thomas Walker (#0421574), who was reported missing from the facility Thursday night. Walker was last seen near the facility at 11:21 p.m.

Department Announces Additional Steps Taken to Improve Prison Safety

The Department of Public Safety today announced additional action steps taken to improve prison safety. The prison reform measures involve security policies and practices, training and hiring.

Winter Weather Impacts Much of State But Not Expected to Linger Long

Much of North Carolina is feeling the effects of the latest winter storm, and North Carolinians should follow forecasts closely as snowfall spreads across the state, Governor Roy Cooper cautioned today.