Craggy Correctional Institution is a medium/minimum security prison for adult males located near Asheville, North Carolina. The prison has three dormitories and seven support buildings and was the first state prison to install an electronic security system. Craggy Correctional Institution is known for its excellent programs for inmates, including education and vocational training.
In March 2014, Craggy Correctional Institution consolidated with Buncombe Correctional Center to house adult males in medium and minimum custody. This move has allowed the prison to provide better services to inmates and has increased efficiency in the prison system. The prison has also received recognition for its efforts to improve the lives of inmates, including the American Correctional Association’s Gold Standard Accreditation.
Craggy Correctional Institution is an important part of the North Carolina prison system and has a reputation for providing inmates with the resources they need to succeed both inside and outside of prison. The prison’s commitment to education and vocational training has helped many inmates turn their lives around and become productive members of society.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 598 |
| Physical Address | 22 Canoe Lane, Asheville, NC 28804 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 828-645-5315 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
Craggy Correctional Institution is a medium/minimum security prison for adult males located near Asheville, North Carolina. It was the first state prison to install an electric fence in 1956 and has since undergone several renovations and consolidations.
Location
The prison is located in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It is situated on a 20-acre site and has a capacity of approximately 500 inmates.
Facilities
Craggy Correctional Institution has three dormitories and seven support buildings. It also has a correction enterprises laundry and employs inmates in various road crews. The prison offers a variety of programs, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
History
Craggy Correctional Institution was established in 1924 as the Old Craggy Prison. In 1956, it became the first state prison to install an electric fence. In 2014, it consolidated with Buncombe Correctional Center to house adult males in medium and minimum custody. The prison has had several perimeter breaches and escapes over the years, but has since implemented improved security measures.
In conclusion, Craggy Correctional Institution is a medium/minimum security prison for adult males in Asheville, North Carolina. It has a capacity of approximately 500 inmates and offers a variety of programs for rehabilitation and reentry.
Security
Craggy Correctional Institution takes security seriously, with a range of measures in place to ensure the safety of staff and inmates. The facility has a comprehensive electronic intrusion system and security fence, as well as protocols in place to prevent perimeter breaches and escapes.
Electronic Intrusion System Security Fence
The electronic intrusion system consists of a series of sensors and cameras that monitor the perimeter of the facility. These sensors are designed to detect any attempts to breach the fence, and the cameras provide a visual record of any suspicious activity. The system is monitored around the clock by correctional officers, who are trained to respond quickly to any potential security threats.
The security fence is also an important part of the facility’s security measures. It is designed to be difficult to climb, with a series of angled metal bars that make it nearly impossible for anyone to scale the fence. The fence is also equipped with razor wire, which is designed to deter any attempts to cut through the fence.
Perimeter Breaches and Escapes
Despite the electronic intrusion system and security fence, there is always a risk of perimeter breaches and escapes. To mitigate this risk, Craggy Correctional Institution has a number of protocols in place. For example, the facility has a strict classification system that ensures that inmates are housed in appropriate custody levels. Minimum security inmates, for example, are housed in dormitory-style housing units, which are easier to monitor than individual cells.
Correctional officers also receive extensive training in gang identification and management, which helps to prevent gang-related security issues. In addition, the facility has a range of safety measures in place to prevent and respond to incidents such as fights, assaults, and medical emergencies.
Overall, Craggy Correctional Institution takes security seriously, with a range of measures in place to ensure the safety of staff and inmates. While there is always a risk of security breaches, the facility’s protocols and procedures help to minimize this risk and maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone involved.
Programs
Craggy Correctional Institution offers a variety of programs to help inmates with their rehabilitation and reentry into society. These programs include A New Direction Program, Counseling, Education, Vocational Classes, and Inpatient Treatment.
A New Direction Program
Formerly known as the Drug Alcohol Recovery Treatment (DART) program, A New Direction is a 90-day evidence-based program designed to help inmates with substance abuse issues. The program includes lectures, films, therapy groups, and individual counseling. Professional staff and peer counselors facilitate the program, which also includes participation in Narcotics Anonymous and other group meetings.
Counseling
Counseling services are available to inmates at Craggy Correctional Institution. Individual counseling is provided by licensed professionals, and group counseling is also available. Counseling services cover a range of topics, including substance abuse, anger management, and mental health.
Education
Inmates at Craggy Correctional Institution have access to educational programs, including adult education and preparation for the GED. Asheville/Buncombe Technical Community College offers courses in food service technology and facility maintenance. Inmates can also participate in Department of Transportation road crews, janitorial, and groundskeeping work.
Vocational Classes
Vocational classes are available to inmates at Craggy Correctional Institution. These classes provide inmates with skills that can help them find employment upon release. Vocational classes include carpentry, electrical, and plumbing.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is available to inmates at Craggy Correctional Institution who require more intensive treatment for substance abuse or mental health issues. Inpatient treatment is provided by licensed professionals and includes group therapy, individual counseling, and medication management.
Overall, Craggy Correctional Institution offers a range of programs to help inmates with their rehabilitation and reentry into society. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the skills and support they need to successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Visitation and Communication
Prison visitation and communication are important aspects of an inmate’s life at Craggy Correctional Institution. The facility provides various options for communication and visitation to help inmates stay connected with their loved ones.
Visiting Hours
Craggy Correctional Institution has a specific visitation schedule for family and friends of inmates. Visitors are required to arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the visiting hours. For more information call 828-645-5315.
Sending Packages
Family and friends of inmates can send packages to them at Craggy Correctional Institution. The packages must comply with the facility’s rules and regulations. The packages should not contain any contraband items such as drugs, weapons, or pornography. The facility allows the following items to be sent in packages:
- Clothing items (white T-shirts, white socks, white underwear)
- Paperback books (sent directly from a publisher)
- Magazines (sent directly from a publisher)
- Stationery items (white paper, white envelopes, pens, pencils)
Sending Money
Inmates at Craggy Correctional Institution can receive money from their family and friends. The facility has partnered with JPay to provide a fast and secure way to send money to inmates. Family and friends can send money to inmates through JPay’s website or by calling their toll-free number.
Inmate Locator
Family and friends of inmates can use the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s offender search tool to locate an inmate at Craggy Correctional Institution. The tool provides information about the inmate’s name, age, physical description, and the facility where they are currently housed.
Phone Number
Family and friends of inmates can contact Craggy Correctional Institution at (828) 645-7630, Minimum Unit Phone: 828-645-7630
Inmate Mailing Address
Family and friends of inmates can send letters to them at the following address:
- Name and Opus Number
- Name of Prison (do not abbreviate)
- P.O. Box 247
- Phoenix, MD 21131
Dress Code
Visitors at Craggy Correctional Institution are required to follow a dress code. Visitors should wear conservative clothing that covers their bodies appropriately. The following clothing items are not allowed:
- Shorts
- Skirts or dresses above the knee
- Sleeveless shirts or tank tops
- Tight-fitting clothing
- Clothing with offensive language or graphics
Overall, Craggy Correctional Institution provides various options for communication and visitation to help inmates stay connected with their loved ones.