Columbus Correctional Institution (CCI) is a medium custody prison located in Whiteville, North Carolina. The facility is home to adult males who have been incarcerated for a variety of offenses. The prison has a capacity of 698 offenders and is staffed by a team of correctional officers and support staff.
In addition to providing housing for offenders, Columbus Correctional Institution offers a range of programs and services designed to help incarcerated individuals prepare for life after release. These programs include GED classes, vocational training in fields such as masonry, computer repair, and plumbing, and job training through Correction Enterprises, a division of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
The prison also offers substance abuse programming, as well as religious activities and recreational opportunities for offenders in the general population. Visitation is available to offenders on a limited basis, with strict guidelines and procedures in place to ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and offenders.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 698 |
| Physical Address | 1255 Prison Camp Road Whiteville, NC 28472 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 910-642-3285 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Columbus Correctional Institution was established in the late 1930s as part of the Prison Construction Program, which was initiated by the General Assembly of North Carolina to address the growing need for prison facilities in the state. The facility was designed to house 312 beds, with an initial construction cost of $150,000.
Over the years, Columbus Correctional Institution has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of inmates. In 1963, a 208-bed dormitory was added to the facility, increasing its capacity to 698 inmates.
Throughout its history, Columbus Correctional Institution has played an important role in the state’s criminal justice system. The facility has been home to many notable inmates, including those convicted of serious crimes such as murder and rape.
Despite its important role, Columbus Correctional Institution has faced its fair share of challenges over the years. Like many other correctional facilities, it has struggled with issues related to overcrowding, understaffing, and budget constraints.
Despite these challenges, Columbus Correctional Institution remains an important part of North Carolina’s criminal justice system. With a dedicated staff and a commitment to rehabilitation and reentry, the facility continues to play a vital role in helping to reduce crime and keep communities safe.
Facilities and Resources
Columbus Correctional Institution is a medium custody prison for male inmates located in Whiteville, North Carolina. The facility has several buildings and dormitories, each with a specific purpose.
Buildings and Dormitories
The prison has several buildings, including the Administration Building, which houses the Visitation Office, Inmate Records, and the Business Office. The facility also has a warehouse, a maintenance shop, and a gymnasium.
In addition to the buildings, CCI also has several dormitories where inmates are housed. The dormitories are divided into different housing units, each with a specific security level. The housing units are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while they serve their sentences.
Programming and Services
CCI offers a variety of programming and services to help inmates prepare for their release and re-entry into society. The prison has educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment programs. Inmates can also participate in religious services and counseling.
Visitation
Visitation at CCI is by appointment only and is subject to specific guidelines and policies. The Visitation Office is located in the Administration Building and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visitors must make an appointment at least 24 hours in advance and are allowed to visit on Sundays.
Visitors are limited to three per inmate, and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors must adhere to the dress code and are subject to a search before entering the facility. For more information on visitation guidelines, visitors can contact the Visitation Office directly.
- Physical Address: 1255 Prison Camp Road, Whiteville, NC 28472
- Telephone (Visitation Direct Line): 910-640-1879
Inmate Mailing Address:
- Name and Opus Number
- Name of Prison (do not abbreviate)
- P.O. Box 247
- Phoenix, MD 21131
Staff and Offenders
Correctional Officers and Parole Officers
Columbus Correctional Institution employs both correctional officers and parole officers to maintain the safety and security of the facility and its inmates. Correctional officers are responsible for the custody and care of offenders, while parole officers supervise offenders who have been released on parole. Both types of officers receive extensive training in areas such as defensive tactics, crisis intervention, and communication skills.
Human Resources
The Human Resources department at Columbus Correctional Institution is responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training new employees. They also manage employee benefits, payroll, and performance evaluations. The department works closely with other departments to ensure that all employees are properly trained and equipped to perform their duties.
Offender Search
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction provides an online offender search tool that allows members of the public to search for information on offenders who are currently incarcerated in Ohio prisons, currently under DRC supervision, judicially released, or who died of natural causes while incarcerated. The tool displays information such as the offender’s name, date of birth, gender, race, and facility location. Visitors can also find information on visitation guidelines, mail regulations, and other important information related to the care and custody of offenders.
Overall, the staff at Columbus Correctional Institution work diligently to maintain a safe and secure environment for both staff and offenders. They receive extensive training and support to ensure that they are equipped to handle any situation that may arise. The offender search tool provided by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the facility and its inmates.
Education and Job Training
At Columbus Correctional Institution, education and job training are crucial components of the rehabilitation process. Inmates are provided with a variety of educational and vocational opportunities to help them gain the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
GED and Adult Education
Columbus Correctional Institution offers a GED program in partnership with Southeastern Community College. Inmates who have not obtained a high school diploma can work towards earning their GED, which is an essential step towards obtaining employment and further education opportunities upon release.
In addition to the GED program, Columbus Correctional Institution offers adult education classes in subjects such as math, science, and English. These classes are designed to help inmates improve their literacy and numeracy skills, which are essential for success in the workforce.
Vocational Classes
Columbus Correctional Institution offers a variety of vocational classes to inmates, including masonry, computer repair, and plumbing. These classes are taught by experienced instructors and provide inmates with the opportunity to gain valuable skills and certifications that can lead to employment upon release.
Road Crews
Inmates at Columbus Correctional Institution can also participate in road crews, which are operated by Correction Enterprises. These crews provide inmates with the opportunity to gain experience in areas such as landscaping, construction, and road maintenance. In addition to providing valuable job training, road crews also help to save taxpayer dollars by reducing the cost of these services.
Overall, the education and job training programs at Columbus Correctional Institution are designed to help inmates gain the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully reintegrate into society upon release. By providing inmates with these opportunities, Columbus Correctional Institution is helping to reduce recidivism and create safer communities.
Disciplinary Segregation and Death Row
Columbus Correctional Institution has a Disciplinary Segregation Unit (DSU), which is used to house inmates who have violated prison rules. The DSU is a form of restrictive housing that can be used for disciplinary or administrative purposes. Inmates may be placed in the DSU for a wide range of institutional needs, including but not limited to, disciplinary infractions, protective custody, and administrative segregation.
Inmates who are sentenced to death in North Carolina are housed at Central Prison, which is located in Raleigh. However, Columbus Correctional Institution has a death row section that is used to house inmates who are awaiting transfer to Central Prison. The death row section is a separate unit from the rest of the prison and is designed to provide maximum security for the inmates.
Inmates who are housed in the death row section are kept in their cells for 23 hours a day and are allowed one hour of outdoor recreation time. They are also allowed to receive visitors, but these visits are closely monitored. Inmates who are sentenced to death may die of natural causes while on death row, and if this occurs, their bodies are released to their families for burial.
Overall, Columbus Correctional Institution takes disciplinary segregation and death row housing seriously and ensures that inmates are housed in a secure and humane environment.
Correction Enterprises
Correction Enterprises is a program operated by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety that provides vocational training and work opportunities for inmates in the state’s correctional facilities. Columbus Correctional Institution is home to Correction Enterprises Whiteville Sewing Plant.
Commercial Cleaning and Food Service
Correction Enterprises provides commercial cleaning and food service operations to various state agencies, including the Department of Public Safety. Inmates who participate in these programs receive training in areas such as food preparation, sanitation, and customer service. The program also provides valuable work experience that can help inmates find employment upon release.
Sewing/Tailoring Plant
The sewing/tailoring plant at Columbus Correctional Institution is operated by Correction Enterprises and provides training and work opportunities for inmates. Inmates who participate in this program learn skills such as sewing, pattern making, and quality control. The program also produces a variety of products, including clothing, linens, and upholstery, which are sold to state agencies and other customers.
Correction Enterprises is a valuable program that provides inmates with training and work opportunities that can help them successfully re-enter society upon release.