The Division of Prisons has successfully completed the return of around 750 offenders to Neuse Correctional Institution who were evacuated last week due to area flooding from the Neuse River in Goldsboro.
While the facility was not in danger of flooding, impassable roads could have hindered emergency response, if necessary. As a result, the prison was evacuated as a precaution.
The offenders were transferred in multiple bus trips on Feb. 11 and the morning of Feb. 12 to more than a dozen prison facilities throughout the state. All offenders from Neuse Correctional were returned by 10 p.m. on Feb. 17.
In addition, approximately 150 residents of the DART Cherry residential treatment facility in Goldsboro were evacuated on Feb. 12 to a secure facility and returned on Feb. 14.
Several hundred Prisons employees worked long hours to make the evacuation and return operations a success. Several Department of Public Safety divisions supported the operations such as Emergency Management and Community Corrections, and transportation bus movements were coordinated with the State Highway Patrol with escorts provided by Prison Emergency Response Teams.
“Evacuating a prison is a complex logistical undertaking, and everyone was relocated safely to custody level-appropriate facilities,” said Todd Ishee, Commissioner of Prisons. “I am grateful for the teamwork and dedication shown by the staff who so professionally handled the evacuation while continuing to provide services to the impacted offenders and residents.”
No major incidents were reported.