Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution is a medium-security facility located in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. The prison sits on a 100-acre tract of land at the Avery and Mitchell County line and is designed with three dormitory-style units, supported by a central administration building and 40 segregation cells. The facility houses male offenders and offers a range of educational programs to help inmates develop skills that can be used upon their release.
In recent years, Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution has undergone significant changes in leadership. In 2020, Ronnie “Lane” Huneycutt was named warden at the facility, and in 2022, Bret Bullis took over the position. Both men have extensive experience in the corrections field and are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates. Under their leadership, the facility has continued to offer a range of educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for life after prison.
Despite the challenges of operating a correctional facility, Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all those who live and work within its walls. Through its educational programs and dedicated staff, the facility is working to help inmates make positive changes in their lives and prepare for successful reentry into society.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 816 |
| Physical Address | 600 Amity Park Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (828) 765-0229 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and History
Location
Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution is located in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, USA, on a 100-acre site beside the Avery and Mitchell County line. The facility is situated in the western part of the state, approximately 50 miles northeast of Asheville and 60 miles northwest of Hickory. The prison is easily accessible by car, with the nearest major highway being US 19E.
Spruce Pine is a small town of about 2,000 residents, and it is the largest town in Mitchell County. The town has a rich history in mining and gemstone production, and it is known as the “Mineral City of the World.” The area around the prison is rural and mountainous, with many outdoor recreational opportunities.
History
Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution was opened in 1995 as a medium security facility housing male offenders. The prison was built to alleviate overcrowding in other North Carolina prisons and to provide additional bed space for the growing inmate population. The facility has a capacity of 816 inmates, and it is designed to house medium-custody inmates.
The prison is named after the two counties it serves, Avery and Mitchell. Avery County was formed in 1911 from parts of Mitchell, Watauga, and Caldwell counties, while Mitchell County was formed in 1861 from parts of Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Watauga, and Yancey counties. The two counties are located in the western part of North Carolina, and they share a border that runs through the middle of the prison site.
Over the years, Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution has undergone several renovations and upgrades to improve its security and living conditions for inmates. The prison has also implemented various programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and reintegration into society.
Facilities
Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution is a medium security facility designed with three dormitory-style units, supported by a central administration building and 40 segregation cells. The prison sits on a 100-acre tract of land at the Avery and Mitchell County line.
Central Administration Building
The central administration building at Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution is responsible for managing the daily operations of the facility. It houses the prison’s administrative offices, including the warden’s office, business office, personnel office, and inmate records office.
Dormitory-Style Units
The prison’s three dormitory-style units house the majority of the inmates at Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution. Each unit is designed to accommodate up to 300 inmates and includes a common area, shower facilities, and multiple sleeping areas. Inmates are assigned to these units based on their custody level and other factors.
Segregation Cells
Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution has 40 segregation cells that are used to house inmates who have been placed in administrative segregation or disciplinary segregation. These cells are designed to hold one inmate at a time and are equipped with a bed, sink, and toilet. Inmates in segregation are subject to more restrictive conditions than those in general population, including limited visitation and recreation time.
Overall, Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution’s facilities are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for its inmates, staff, and visitors. The prison’s central administration building, dormitory-style units, and segregation cells are all integral components of the facility’s operations.
Visiting and Communication
Visiting and communication are important aspects of an inmate’s life while they are incarcerated. Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution allows visitors to come and see their loved ones during designated visiting hours. Additionally, communication with inmates is possible through telephone and JPay services, and inmates can receive mail from their loved ones.
Visiting Hours
Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of visiting hours to be allowed into the facility. Visitors are required to bring a valid government-issued photo ID, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors are also required to dress appropriately and follow the facility’s rules and regulations. For more information call (828) 765-0229.
Telephone and JPay
Inmates at Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution can communicate with their loved ones through telephone and JPay services. Inmates are allowed to make collect calls to their approved phone numbers. To receive calls from an inmate, the receiver must set up an account with the phone service provider and add the inmate’s phone number to their account. JPay is a service that allows inmates to send and receive electronic messages, photos, and video grams. The receiver must also set up an account with JPay to communicate with the inmate.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution can receive mail from their loved ones. All mail must be addressed to the inmate and sent to the following address:
Name and Opus Number
Name of Prison (do not abbreviate)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131All incoming mail will be inspected for contraband, so it is important to follow the facility’s rules and regulations regarding mail. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, and all mail must be sent through the United States Postal Service.
Overall, Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution provides several options for visiting and communicating with inmates. It is important to follow the facility’s rules and regulations to ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone involved.
Inmate Programs and Services
Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and re-entry into society. These programs and services aim to provide inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to become productive, law-abiding citizens once they are released.
Educational and Vocational Training
The prison offers a range of educational and vocational training programs to help inmates gain the skills they need to find employment after their release. These programs include adult basic education, GED preparation, vocational training in areas such as carpentry, electrical work, and masonry, and college courses through local community colleges.
Janitorial and Other Work Programs
In addition to vocational training, Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution offers a variety of work programs that allow inmates to earn money while they are incarcerated. These programs include janitorial work, kitchen work, and other jobs within the prison. Inmates who participate in these programs can earn up to $1.50 per day.
Special Visits
Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution also offers special visits for inmates who have maintained good behavior and have not received any disciplinary infractions. These visits allow inmates to spend additional time with their loved ones beyond the regular visiting hours. Inmates must apply for special visits in advance, and they are subject to approval by the prison staff.
Overall, the programs and services offered at Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution aim to provide inmates with the skills and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society once they are released. By providing educational and vocational training, work programs, and special visits, the prison hopes to reduce recidivism rates and help inmates lead productive, law-abiding lives after their release.
Security and Safety
Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution places a strong emphasis on maintaining a secure and safe environment for both staff and inmates. The facility has implemented a number of policies and procedures to ensure the safety of everyone within the prison.
Security Threat Group (STG) Inmates
STG inmates pose a significant threat to the safety and security of correctional facilities, and Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution is no exception. The facility has established a number of measures to identify and manage STG inmates, including:
- Regular intelligence gathering and analysis to identify STG members and their activities
- Segregation of STG members from the general population
- Monitoring of mail and phone calls to prevent communication between STG members
- Providing education and counseling to STG members to help them disengage from their group
- Offering protective custody to STG members who fear for their safety
Restricted Housing
Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution has a designated area for Restricted Housing, which is used to house inmates who are deemed a threat to the safety and security of the institution. Inmates may be placed in Restricted Housing for a variety of reasons, including:
- Violent behavior
- Gang affiliation
- Escape attempts
- Possession of contraband
- Other serious rule violations
In Restricted Housing, inmates are subject to more restrictive conditions than the general population, including limited privileges and increased supervision. The goal of Restricted Housing is to maintain a safe and secure environment for all inmates and staff.
Overall, Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution is committed to maintaining a secure and safe environment for all those within its walls. The facility’s policies and procedures for managing STG inmates and Restricted Housing demonstrate the institution’s dedication to this goal.
Inmate Search and Locator
Inmate Locator
If you need to locate an inmate in the Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution, you can use the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Offender Search tool, available on their website. You can search for an inmate using their name, offender number, or state ID. The search tool will display information on the inmate’s current location, release date, and more.
Sending Money
If you want to send money to an inmate in the Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution, there are several ways to do so. You can send money online using the JPay service, which allows you to send money using your credit or debit card. You can also send money by phone using the JPay service. You can also send money by mail using a money order or cashier’s check. If you choose to send money by mail, make sure to include the inmate’s name and offender ID on the money order or cashier’s check.
It’s important to note that inmates in the Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution cannot receive cash or personal checks. All money sent to an inmate must be in the form of a money order or cashier’s check.
Sergeant and Department of Corrections
If you have any questions about the inmate search process or sending money to an inmate, you can contact the Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution directly. You can call the facility at (828) 765-0229 to speak with a sergeant or other staff member. You can also contact the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, which oversees the Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution and other state prisons in North Carolina.
Felon and Federal Prison
It’s important to note that if an inmate is not housed in the Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution, you will need to use a different inmate locator tool. If the inmate is housed in a federal prison, you can use the Bureau of Prisons inmate locator tool to find their location and other information. If the inmate is housed in a different state prison, you will need to use that state’s inmate locator tool or contact the state’s Department of Corrections for more information.
Overall, it’s important to follow the correct procedures when searching for an inmate or sending money to an inmate in the Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution or any other state prison. By using the correct tools and following the correct procedures, you can ensure that your communication with the inmate is successful and that you are following all rules and regulations.