Cleveland Correctional Center, near Shelby, is a medium security prison for adult males.

Cleveland was one of 51 county prisons for which the state assumed responsibility with the passage of the Conner bill in 1931. It was one of 61 field unit prisons renovated or built during the late 1930's to house inmates who worked building roads.

The prison's original housing units are still in use today. In 1978, inmates built a 28-cell building for placing inmates into administrative and disciplinary segregation. In 1986, a recreation building was constructed.

In 1979, Cleveland Community College began working with the prison and established a Comprehensive Education Program. This is a special vocational program that offers 12 month classes in Plumbing, Welding Technology, Electrical/Electronics Technology and Carpentry. Candidates for the program are selected with consideration of preparing the inmate for participation on work release and provide them with marketable skills for release. Other special program/work offerings include a Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Program, Father Accountability Program, two (2) Community Work Crews and a Highway Litter Crew. Inmates may also take part in substance abuse programs, worship services and bible studies.

Visitation: Visiting hours are on Sunday from 12:00 Noon – 4:30 P.M. Inmates whose last name begins with “A - L” visit from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 P.M. Inmates whose last name begins with “M - Z” visit from 2:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Visiting times for inmates housed in segregation are Monday – Friday by appointment only and requires at least 24 hours advance notice. Appointments can be made by calling the prison at (704)480-5428. Out-of-state or other special visits require approval of the Superintendent/Designee with at least 24-hour notification and in some instances the visitor must send a letter on letterhead.

DIRECTIONS from Raleigh and points East: Take I-40 West to I-85 South. Stay on I-85 South to the Shelby/Kings Mountain Exit 10B (U.S. 74 Bypass). Go about 12 miles. Turn right onto U.S. 74 Business at the stoplight just before Cleveland Mall. At the 2nd stoplight, turn right onto Kemper Road. The prison is approximately one-half mile on the right.

DIRECTIONS from Asheville and points West: Take I-40 East to I-26 East/U.S.. 74 East. Stay on I-26 East to U.S. 74 East Rutherford/Shelby Exit 67. Take U.S. 74 East to Hwy. 180 Intersection (Keeter Ford on left). Turn left onto Hwy. 180 North. At the 3rd stoplight turn right onto U.S. 74 Business (East) and then turn left at next stoplight onto Kemper Road. The prison is approximately one-half mile on the right.