Bertie Correctional Institution is a state prison located in Windsor, North Carolina. It is operated by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and is one of the newest prisons in the state, having opened in August 2006. The prison is designed to house close and medium custody offenders, with a capacity of around 1,500 inmates.
Bertie Correctional Institution provides a range of educational and vocational programs for its inmates, including classes offered by Martin Community College and East Carolina University. Inmates can earn GEDs, participate in vocational training, and take college courses. The prison also offers substance abuse treatment and mental health services.
Despite these efforts, the institution has had its share of challenges, including inmate assaults and suicides, which have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,504 |
| Physical Address | 218 Cooper Hill Road, Windsor, NC 27983 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 252-794-8600 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location
Bertie Correctional Institution is located in Windsor, NC, on Cooper Hill Road. The facility is situated in the northeastern part of the state, near the Virginia border. The prison is easily accessible, with several major highways in the area, including US-13, NC-45, and NC-308.
The physical address of Bertie Correctional Institution is 218 Cooper Hill Road, Windsor, NC 27983. The facility is surrounded by rural farmland and forests, providing a peaceful and secluded environment for the inmates.
Windsor is a small town with a population of around 3,500 people. The town is located in Bertie County, which has a population of approximately 20,000 people. Bertie County is known for its rich history and natural beauty, with several parks and recreation areas in the area.
The location of Bertie Correctional Institution is ideal for providing a secure and controlled environment for the inmates while also being accessible to family members and visitors. The facility is located in a peaceful and secluded area, which helps to reduce the risk of escape attempts and other security concerns.
Facilities
Bertie Correctional Institution has two housing units, a close custody unit, and a medium custody unit. The close custody unit is a 1,000 single-cell unit, while the medium custody unit is a 504-bed dormitory-style unit.
Housing Units
The close custody unit is designed to house offenders who require a higher level of security and supervision. Each cell is equipped with a bed, desk, and toilet. The unit is also equipped with a recreation yard, a day room, and a dining hall. The unit is divided into three sections: the Red Unit, the Blue Unit, and the Green Unit. The Red Unit is designed to house offenders who require a higher level of supervision due to their behavior or criminal history. The Blue Unit is designed for offenders who require medical or mental health treatment. The Green Unit is designed for offenders who are classified as general population.
The medium custody unit is designed to house offenders who require less supervision and security. The unit is an open dormitory-style unit, which means that offenders share a large room with multiple bunk beds. The unit is equipped with a dayroom, a recreation yard, and a dining hall. Offenders in the medium custody unit are classified as general population.
Overall, Bertie Correctional Institution provides secure and safe facilities for offenders. The close custody unit and the medium custody unit are designed to meet the needs of different types of offenders, and the institution provides education and vocational classes to help offenders prepare for reentry into society.
Staff
Bertie Correctional Institution has a dedicated team of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of the inmates. The staff members are divided into several categories based on their roles and responsibilities.
Security Staff
Correctional officers are responsible for maintaining order and security within the prison. They are tasked with supervising the inmates, ensuring that they follow the rules, and responding to any incidents that may occur. The security staff at Bertie Correctional Institution are highly trained and experienced, and they work closely with other staff members to ensure that the prison runs smoothly.
Medical Staff
The medical staff at Bertie Correctional Institution includes registered nurses, physicians, dentists, and mental health providers. They are responsible for providing medical care to the inmates, ensuring that their health needs are met, and monitoring their overall well-being. The medical staff works closely with the security staff to ensure that the inmates receive the care they need while maintaining a safe and secure environment.
Program and Administrative Staff
The program and administrative staff at Bertie Correctional Institution are responsible for providing educational and vocational programs to the inmates. They work closely with outside organizations to provide inmates with job training, educational opportunities, and other programs designed to help them successfully re-enter society upon release. The administrative staff is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the prison, including budgeting, staffing, and other administrative tasks.
Overall, the staff at Bertie Correctional Institution is highly skilled and dedicated to their work. They are committed to ensuring that the inmates are treated with respect and dignity while maintaining a safe and secure environment for all.
Inmates
Custody Levels
Bertie Correctional Institution houses both close and medium custody offenders. The close custody unit is a 1,000 single-cell unit, while the medium custody unit is a 504-bed dormitory-style unit. Inmates are classified into different custody levels based on their risk level, and the institution offers various programs and services based on these levels.
Programs and Education
Bertie Correctional Institution offers various programs and education opportunities to inmates. Education and vocational classes are provided by Martin Community College and East Carolina University. Inmates can work towards obtaining their GED or participate in vocational training to learn new skills and trades. The Unit Management System (UMS) is used to track inmates’ progress and participation in programs.
In addition to educational programs, Bertie Correctional Institution offers various programs to address specific issues. These programs include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI), In-Cell Studies, Anger Management, Breaking the Cycle, Domestic Violence, and Fatherhood Parenting.
Safety and Security
Bertie Correctional Institution takes safety and security seriously. Inmates who pose a high risk to themselves or others may be placed in restrictive housing. Case managers work with inmates to address their needs and ensure their safety. The Gray Unit is responsible for managing inmates who have medical issues or require maximum control procedures.
Despite these measures, incidents can still occur within the institution. Inmates may attack other inmates or staff members, and medical emergencies can arise. Bertie Correctional Institution has first responders on staff who are trained to handle these situations and provide lifesaving measures when necessary.
Visitation and Mail
Bertie Correctional Institution allows visitation for inmates to maintain family and community ties. Visitors must follow the rules and regulations set by the institution to ensure safety and security.
Visitation Hours
Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the visitation period. The facility may cancel or restrict visitation at any time for safety or security reasons. For more information call 252-794-8600.
Visitation Rules and Regulations
Visitors must comply with the following rules and regulations at Bertie Correctional Institution:
- Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list.
- Visitors must present a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Visitors must dress appropriately and modestly. Clothing that is revealing, provocative, or gang-related is not allowed.
- Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal belongings, including cell phones, into the visitation area.
- Visitors may be subject to search before entering the facility.
- Visitors must follow all instructions given by the staff.
Contacting Inmates
Inmates may receive mail and phone calls from family and friends. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, except for legal mail. Inmates may also use the email system to communicate with family and friends.
All offender mail should be addressed to TextBehind’s facility in Maryland in this manner:
- Name and Opus Number
- Name of Prison (do not abbreviate)
- P.O. Box 247
- Phoenix, MD 21131
Special Visitation
Bertie Correctional Institution offers special visitation for families traveling long distances or for special occasions. Visitors must contact the facility in advance to schedule a special visitation. Special visitation may be subject to additional rules and regulations.
Conclusion
Visitation is an important aspect of maintaining family and community ties for inmates. Bertie Correctional Institution offers visitation hours and special visitation for families and friends to connect with their loved ones. Visitors must follow the rules and regulations set by the institution to ensure safety and security.
Incidents and Investigations
Bertie Correctional Institution has had several incidents over the past few years, including lockdowns, fights, and suicides. These incidents have resulted in investigations by various entities, including the State Bureau of Investigation.
In March 2021, offender Rashaun Mason died by apparent suicide at Bertie Correctional Institution. Mason was found unresponsive in a housing area and later pronounced dead. The Department of Public Safety and the Windsor Police Department conducted investigations into his death.
In May 2022, offender Henry L. Bost also died by apparent suicide at the prison. Bost was serving a sentence for robbery with a deadly weapon. The Department of Public Safety is cooperating fully in the investigation and conducting its own investigation.
In June 2023, offender Nicholas Austin Langley died by apparent suicide at Bertie Correctional Institution. Langley was convicted of second-degree murder in Pitt County in 2016 and sentenced to 15 to 20 years. The Department of Public Safety is cooperating fully in the investigation and conducting its own investigation.
In addition to suicides, fights have also occurred at Bertie Correctional Institution. In March 2022, offender Semajs Short was attacked by a group of other offenders and killed. Prison first responders performed life-saving measures until local emergency medical services arrived, but Short was pronounced dead. Investigations were conducted by the Department of Public Safety and the State Bureau of Investigation.
The Department of Public Safety takes all incidents at Bertie Correctional Institution seriously and investigates them thoroughly. Lockdowns and other safety measures may be implemented as needed to ensure the safety of staff and offenders.