Tabor Correctional Institution, Tabor City, North Carolina
February 2-9, 2019 (end date approximate)
A group of seven prisoners launched a hunger strike in protest of a new policy requiring that those sending money to a prisoner’s commissary account go through the process of becoming approved as visitors through the prison–a rule that greatly restricts who can send funds to prisoners. The rule went into effect February 5, 2019.
John Bull, Communications Officer with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, confirmed that the hunger strike occurred and lasted approximately one week.
According to a memo from the Director of Prisons, the rule is an attempt to curb illicit activity on the part of prisoners which “lead to offenders soliciting funds from unsuspecting family members who ultimately bear the cost.”
Citations:
“Restriction of Depositors – JPAY“, Kenneth E. Lassiter, Director of Prisons, Department of Public Safety–Prisons, Memorandum, January 2, 2019.
Anonymous Prisoner Letter, February 10, 2019.
John Bull, Communications Officer, North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Email Interview with Perilous. February 27, 2019.
