DOC steps up response to storm needs

Michael F. Easley Governor		Theodis Beck Secretary
North Carolina Department of Correction

For Release: IMMEDIATE	Contact: Keith Acree
Date: September 22, 2003	Phone: (919) 716-3700

Department of Correction steps up response to storm recovery needs Chain saw crews help clear way for power restoration Probation officers provide law enforcement assistance RALEIGH – Inmate work crews are responding to clean up requests today from emergency management officials in 14 eastern North Carolina counties. At 11 a.m. today, 18 inmate crews totaling 153 inmates were working on clean up assignments. These jobs included removing downed trees and clearing debris from streets, beaches and storm drains. An additional 51 inmate work crews are ready to be deployed when requested. Seven additional inmate work crews equipped with chain saws are relocating from western North Carolina today to assist 19 chain saw crews already located in the east. Each crew consists of eight to ten inmates supervised by a correctional officer. Probation/parole officers from the Division of Community Corrections are now providing law enforcement assistance in Chowan, Hertford, Martin, Tyrrell and Washington counties. Their duties include providing security at locations where disaster relief supplies are distributed, enforcing curfews and conducting patrols. Local governments requesting law enforcement assistance or inmate labor for cleanup projects should contact their local emergency management agency so that requests can be relayed to the State Emergency Response Team. The Division of Prisons continues to house inmates evacuated from county jails in Dare, Hyde and Chowan counties. Inmates evacuated from the Beaufort and Pamlico county jails returned Friday. Inmates evacuated from state prisons in Gatesville and Wilmington have also returned # # #