How the Inmate Grievance Process Works in North Carolina: A Family Member's Guide

The Inmate Grievance Resolution Board (IGRB) reviews appeals of inmate grievances filed through the Administrative Remedy Procedure. Its authority comes from Article 11A of Chapter 148 of the North Carolina General Statutes. When someone says they're "taking a grievance to the Board," it means they've worked through the required steps and reached the IGRB level.

The IGRB has five members, and the governor appoints them. Members serve staggered four-year terms, which helps keep the Board operating continuously rather than turning over all at once.

Timing matters. With some exceptions, grievances generally must be filed within 90 days of the incident, so waiting too long can close the door on the process before it even starts.

1. Submit a written grievance and get screened - A screening officer at the facility reviews the grievance and decides whether it’s accepted or rejected for processing.
2. Have the issue investigated - If the grievance is accepted at Step 1, it’s assigned to a designated staff member who reviews the complaint, investigates the facts, and prepares a written response.
3. Receive the Step 1 decision in writing - The written response (with supporting documentation) must be filed within 15 days.

1. Appeal to Step 2 if needed - If the person in custody doesn’t accept the Step 1 response, they can appeal to Step 2.
2. Facility leadership reviews the case - The facility head or their designee reviews the Step 1 findings and may do any additional investigation that’s needed.
3. Get a written Step 2 response - Within 20 days of the Step 2 appeal, the facility head (or designee) must provide a written response.

1. Appeal to Step 3 (IGRB review) - If the grievance is appealed to Step 3, the facility electronically transmits the appeal to the Inmate Grievance Resolution Board (IGRB).
2. Wait for assignment to an examiner - The IGRB assigns the appeal to a grievance examiner for review and consideration.
3. Examiner reviews and may investigate or mediate - The grievance examiner may conduct an independent investigation limited to the issues raised in the grievance (or rely on the facility’s investigation) before issuing an order.

One of the most frustrating parts for families is the lack of updates - and in North Carolina, that's built into the system. All information related to an inmate grievance is confidential under state law and isn't considered public information. NCDAC and the IGRB generally cannot share specific details with you: whether a grievance was filed, what incident it involved, the results, or the Board's records. Your best source is usually your loved one directly, since they can see their own paperwork and responses.

Help Filing

• ✓ Write down what happened as soon as possible, while details are clear.
• ✓ Track dates carefully so the grievance can be filed within the 90-day window (with some exceptions).
• ✓ Save names, times, housing/unit information, and a plain-language description of the problem.
• ✓ Keep notes on any supporting information your loved one has access to inside (responses received, paperwork provided, or other documentation).

If your loved one wants to pursue a grievance, the most helpful thing you can do is support them in following the Administrative Remedy Procedure step by step. At Step 1, the facility screens the grievance and assigns it for investigation and a written response. At Step 3, the facility transmits the appeal to the IGRB, which assigns a grievance examiner. The IGRB only reviews appeals that come through this process - skipping steps or trying to route complaints around the procedure usually doesn't help.

If the IGRB issues an order granting relief, that order goes to the NCDAC Secretary and Deputy Secretary. The order is binding unless the Secretary finds the relief inappropriate and responds with a written explanation and an alternative order (or denies the relief). An IGRB "grant" carries real weight - but there is a limited review step at the top.