Gaston Correctional Center is a minimum-security prison located in Dallas, North Carolina. The facility has a capacity of 242 male offenders and offers programs such as Character Education and Alcoholics Anonymous to help inmates with their rehabilitation. The center also serves as a reentry facility for those who are nearing the end of their sentences and preparing to rejoin society.
Recently, Christopher Nichols was named the new warden of Gaston Correctional Center. Nichols has years of experience working in the field and is known for his leadership skills. He previously served as a captain at Alexander Correctional Institution in Taylorsville, where he gained valuable experience working with both close and medium custody offenders. As the new warden, Nichols is expected to bring his expertise to Gaston Correctional Center and help continue the facility’s mission of providing rehabilitation and reentry services to its inmates.
| Security | Minimum |
| Capacity | 242 |
| Physical Address | 520 Justice Court Dallas, NC 28034 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 704-922-3861 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Gaston Correctional Center is a minimum-security prison for male offenders located in Dallas, North Carolina. The facility was constructed in the 1930s, and at that time, it housed offenders who worked for the Department of Transportation constructing highways across the state. Gaston Correctional Center was one of 51 county prisons that the state assumed responsibility for in 1931. The facility was renovated in the 1930s to accommodate more offenders.
Over the years, Gaston Correctional Center has undergone a series of changes and renovations. In 2018, the facility underwent a PREA on-site audit to ensure compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act. The audit report indicated that the facility was in compliance with the Act and had implemented appropriate measures to prevent sexual abuse and harassment of inmates.
In 2021, Christopher Nichols was named the new warden of Gaston Correctional Center. Nichols had previously served as a captain at Alexander Correctional Institution in Taylorsville. Nichols is described as a true leader with hard-earned experience working with both close and minimum custody populations.
Gaston Correctional Center offers offenders programs such as Character Education, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other self-help programs. The facility also provides vocational and educational opportunities to help offenders prepare for their release and reintegrate into society.
Overall, Gaston Correctional Center has a rich history and has undergone several changes over the years to improve the lives of offenders and ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
Location
Gaston Correctional Center is located in Dallas, North Carolina. The physical address of the facility is 520 Justice Court, Dallas, NC 28034. The facility is situated in Gaston County and is easily accessible from the surrounding areas.
The facility’s location is conveniently located near major highways and roads, making it easy for visitors to get to the facility. The facility is located near the intersection of Highway 321 and Dallas Cherryville Highway, which provides easy access to the facility from Charlotte and other surrounding areas.
Visitors can use the map provided on the facility’s website to get directions to the facility. The map shows the location of the facility and provides detailed directions on how to get there from different locations. Visitors are encouraged to use the map to plan their visit to the facility.
In summary, Gaston Correctional Center is located in Dallas, North Carolina, at 520 Justice Court. The facility is easily accessible from the surrounding areas and is conveniently located near major highways and roads. Visitors can use the map provided on the facility’s website to get directions to the facility.
Facility
Gaston Correctional Center is a state prison facility located in Dallas, North Carolina. It is operated by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and is designed to house minimum custody male offenders. The facility has a capacity of 242 inmates and is overseen by a warden appointed by the Commissioner of Prisons.
Housing Units
The Gaston Correctional Center has two housing units, each with a capacity of 121 inmates. The housing units are designed with dormitory-style living arrangements and are equipped with a common dayroom area. Inmates are assigned to housing units based on their facility assignments and custody levels.
Work Release
The Gaston Correctional Center offers a work release program to eligible inmates. The program allows inmates to work in the community during the day and return to the facility at night. Inmates in the work release program must have a job and be approved by the facility’s administration.
Minimum Custody Male Offenders
The Gaston Correctional Center is designed to house minimum custody male offenders. Minimum custody inmates are those who have been deemed the least likely to pose a threat to society. These inmates are typically non-violent offenders who are nearing the end of their sentences.
Inmate Records
The Gaston Correctional Center maintains records on all of its inmates. These records include information on the inmate’s offense, sentence length, custody level, and facility assignments. Inmate records are confidential and are only accessible to authorized personnel.
Capacity
The Gaston Correctional Center has a capacity of 242 inmates. The facility is designed to house minimum custody male offenders and offers a range of programs and services to help inmates successfully re-enter society. The facility’s administration is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.
Staff
The Gaston Correctional Center is staffed by a team of correctional officers and sergeants. These staff members are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the facility and its inmates. The facility’s administration is overseen by a warden who is appointed by the Commissioner of Prisons. The current warden of the Gaston Correctional Center is Christopher Nichols, who was appointed in September 2021.
Visitation
Gaston Correctional Center allows inmates to have visitors, subject to certain rules and regulations. This section outlines the process for applying for visitation, visiting hours, scheduling visits, dress code, approved visitor list, collect calls, and sending packages to inmates. For more information call 704-922-3861.
Visitation Application
To visit an inmate at Gaston Correctional Center, visitors must complete a visitation application. The application can be obtained from the website of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. The application must be completed in full and submitted to the facility where the inmate is housed. The application will be reviewed, and if approved, the visitor will be added to the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at Gaston Correctional Center vary depending on the inmate’s housing unit. Visitors should check with the facility for specific visiting hours. Visitors are advised to arrive early to allow time for processing and security checks.
Visitation Schedule
Visits must be scheduled in advance, and visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit. Visitors who arrive late may not be allowed to visit. Visitors should check with the facility for specific scheduling requirements.
Approved Visitor List
All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list. The inmate is responsible for submitting the visitor’s name to the facility for approval. Visitors who are not on the approved visitor list will not be allowed to visit.
Dress Code
Visitors must dress appropriately for their visit. Clothing that is revealing, provocative, or offensive is not allowed. Visitors should avoid wearing clothing that is similar to the clothing worn by inmates or staff. Visitors who do not dress appropriately may not be allowed to visit.
Collect Calls
Inmates at Gaston Correctional Center are allowed to make collect calls to friends and family members. Collect calls can be made using the facility’s phone system or through JPay.
Packages for an Inmate
Packages to inmates must be sent through approved vendors. The facility provides a list of approved vendors on its website. Packages must not contain prohibited items, such as drugs, weapons, or pornography.
Overall, Gaston Correctional Center has strict rules and regulations regarding visitation. Visitors should familiarize themselves with these rules before attempting to visit an inmate.
Inmate Services
Gaston Correctional Center offers several inmate services to help incarcerated individuals rehabilitate and improve their lives. These services include Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Bible Study, Adult Basic Education, Kitchen, Department of Transportation, Work Crews, Municipality Crews, Reentry Facility, and Worship Services.
Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous
The Gaston Correctional Center provides Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to help inmates overcome addiction. These meetings are available to all inmates who struggle with substance abuse and addiction. The meetings are held on a regular basis to provide support and guidance to those who need it.
Bible Study
Inmates at Gaston Correctional Center can participate in Bible study classes to learn about the Bible and its teachings. These classes are held on a regular basis and are open to all inmates who wish to attend. The Bible study classes provide inmates with a sense of community and help them develop a deeper understanding of their faith.
Adult Basic Education
The Gaston Correctional Center offers Adult Basic Education classes to help inmates improve their literacy and numeracy skills. These classes are designed to help inmates obtain their high school equivalency diplomas and improve their chances of finding employment upon release.
Kitchen
Inmates at Gaston Correctional Center can work in the kitchen to gain valuable culinary skills. The kitchen staff prepares meals for the inmates, and inmates who work in the kitchen can learn how to cook and prepare food.
Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation at Gaston Correctional Center provides inmates with the opportunity to learn valuable skills in the transportation industry. Inmates can learn how to operate heavy machinery and obtain a commercial driver’s license.
Work Crews
Inmates at Gaston Correctional Center can participate in work crews to gain valuable work experience. These work crews are responsible for maintaining the facility and performing various tasks around the prison.
Municipality Crews
Municipality crews at Gaston Correctional Center provide inmates with the opportunity to work outside the prison walls. Inmates can work on various projects, such as cleaning up parks and highways, and gain valuable work experience.
Reentry Facility
The Reentry Facility at Gaston Correctional Center provides inmates with the resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release. Inmates can participate in various programs, such as Think Smart, to help them develop the skills they need to find employment and live independently.
Worship Services
Gaston Correctional Center provides inmates with the opportunity to attend worship services and participate in religious activities. These services are open to all inmates who wish to attend and provide a sense of community and support.
Overall, Gaston Correctional Center provides a variety of inmate services to help incarcerated individuals rehabilitate and improve their lives. These services are designed to provide inmates with the resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Communication
Communication is an important aspect of keeping in touch with inmates at Gaston Correctional Center. Family and friends of inmates can contact them through various means of communication.
Phone Number
The facility has a phone system that allows inmates to make outgoing calls to approved numbers. Inmates are not allowed to receive incoming calls, but they can make collect calls or purchase phone time using their commissary account. The phone number for Gaston Correctional Center is (704) 922-3861.
Mailing Address
Family and friends can send mail to inmates at the following address:
Name and Opus Number
Name of Prison (do not abbreviate)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband before being delivered to the inmate. Mail that violates the facility’s rules and regulations will be returned to the sender.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates can receive mail from family and friends at the following address:
Name and Opus Number
Name of Prison (do not abbreviate)
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131Inmates are only allowed to receive letters, cards, and photos that are no larger than 4×6 inches. Any other items will be returned to the sender.
Email Address
Gaston Correctional Center does not offer email services for inmates. However, family and friends can sign up for an account with JPay, a company that provides email services to inmates in North Carolina. JPay charges a fee for each email sent, and all emails are subject to monitoring and approval by the facility staff.
Overall, communication with inmates at Gaston Correctional Center is possible through phone calls and mail. It is important to follow the facility’s rules and regulations when communicating with inmates to avoid any issues or delays in delivery.