Beverly Eaves Perdue
Governor

Alvin W. Keller Jr.
Secretary

North Carolina Department of Correction

Statement from Secretary Alvin Keller regarding investigation at Polk Correctional Institution

This week I was made aware of an allegation of excessive use of force on an inmate at Polk Correctional Institution in Butner.  Immediately, I initiated an internal investigation.

As we continue to investigate the allegation, the administrator and the assistant superintendent for custody and operations at Polk have been reassigned.  Randy Lee, the retired administrator of Caledonia Correctional Institution, has been named interim administrator at Polk. One correctional officer has been separated from the department in connection with this investigation. 

Adherence to established policies and procedure is critical to operating safe and secure prisons, and I will not tolerate those who violate those procedures.

Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken at the conclusion of this investigation, if warranted.

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North Carolina Department of Correction
Public Information Office     4202 Mail Service Center     Raleigh NC 27699-4202
Phone (919) 716-3700      Fax: (919) 716-3795     www.doc.state.nc.us