Central Prison, NC

Central Prison offers both in-person and video visits. Before visiting, you'll need approval through a completed visitor application—each offender can have up to 18 approved visitors, and the facility provides up to 18 blank application forms per offender to share with prospective visitors. In-person visits require an appointment, and you should call the day before to confirm visitation status. Offenders are generally limited to one visit per week, lasting up to two hours. Expect screening at entry: visitors 16 and older may be pat/frisk searched, and electronic devices may be searched. Cell phones are prohibited. The dress code is strict—shirts and shoes required, no revealing clothing.

All non-legal mail to Central Prison goes through TextBehind, which scans letters offsite and delivers them electronically. Mail your letter to TextBehind's P.O. Box 247 in Phoenix, MD, and make sure your return address includes your full first and last name—mail missing either name gets returned. Want the original letter back after scanning? Contact TextBehind within 30 days to request it; there's a $2.50 per-letter fee for return postage. Don't include religious correspondence course materials in letters—those get returned to sender. Approved religious courses and sacred texts must come directly from the vendor, school, or religious institution. For packages, use Central Prison's street address listed on the facility page.

Approved visitors can deposit funds into an offender's account at Central Prison through a few methods. For electronic deposits, use ConnectNetwork.com with a credit or debit card. To mail a deposit, send a money order payable to TouchPay to: TouchPay Holdings, LLC, PO Box 174, Houston, TX 77001-0174. Check the NCDAC Money Transfer Fees table (effective August 1, 2023) before sending—fees vary by channel and amount. Having trouble with a deposit? Call ViaPath's toll-free support at 877-650-4249. Note that vendor rules, including ConnectNetwork's inactivity and refund policies, may apply.

Central Prison has a listed capacity of 1,104 offenders and houses adult males across close, medium, and minimum custody levels, plus designated special populations. The facility serves a statewide role as the admission point for adult male felons sentenced to 20 years or more and operates as the primary medical and mental-health treatment center for male offenders. Property rules limit personal items—offenders may have only one pair each of work boots, tennis shoes, and shower shoes at any time. North Carolina state prisons vary by custody level and may offer education, vocational training, and commissary access, but confirm what's available at this facility separately.