COVID-19 and Incarcerated people in NC

Many people in prisons and their loved ones are worried that continued incarceration will lead to infection. We share in this concern and our office continues to monitor health and safety risks across the state in prison and jail facilities. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) is responsible for the prisons in North Carolina. Please be aware that NCPLS is not a branch of NCDPS and is not part of North Carolina’s state government. We have no supervisory authority over NCDPS and cannot force them to release incarcerated people or comply with safety guidelines. Below you will find information pertaining to the impact of COVID-19 on NC prisons, jails, courts, and our office. If you are a friend or family member of someone in an NC prison or jail and you are concerned about their safety, you can contact us here. Additionally, please have your loved one write to our office and explain their concerns so that we can assist them directly.