For over a week, inmates at Scotland Correctional Institution have been sweltering inside cells without air conditioning—while loved ones on the outside are furious and demanding action.
Some say the conditions are putting lives at risk. Others call it outright abuse.
Heat, Health, and Helplessness Inside the Prison Walls
When the air conditioning broke down at Scotland Correctional Institution in North Carolina’s Scotland County, inmates were left to deal with stifling heat. Temperatures have climbed well over 80°F. For many, the heat is unbearable. For some, it’s dangerous.
“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone,” said a woman whose husband is incarcerated at the facility. “He has chronic breathing problems. His oxygen drops to 81. He said it feels like they’re suffocating.”
She wasn’t the only one raising alarms.
Another relative, visibly shaken, told WPDE, “They’ve been without air for a week and a half. It’s over 80 degrees. Even dog kennels have AC. This is inhumane.”
These aren’t isolated concerns. Families say the situation has persisted without a clear timeline for repairs—or even communication.
Official Silence and Growing Outrage
ABC 15 reached out to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) for comment. As of Tuesday evening, there’s been no official response.
That silence is only adding fuel to the fire.
One woman told reporters she’s left calling the prison every day, only to be brushed off or told “we’re working on it.”
Three others said similar things: phone calls go unanswered, staff are evasive, and no one seems to know when the air will be fixed. Some said they’ve started emailing state lawmakers and advocacy groups.
“We’re not asking for luxury,” one mother said. “We’re asking for breathable air.”
Health Risks Are Mounting, Say Families
There’s more to this than just discomfort. Medical professionals say sustained exposure to high heat in confined, poorly ventilated areas can trigger severe health episodes.
Especially for inmates with:
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Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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Heart conditions
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Sleep apnea
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Mental health conditions worsened by heat stress
One former prison nurse, who asked not to be named, said these situations can escalate fast. “Inmates can become disoriented, dehydrated, and vulnerable to sudden cardiac events. Without air conditioning or even consistent airflow, it’s a serious risk.”
Another source said some inmates have passed out and aren’t being properly evaluated.
A Broader Problem in Southern Prisons
Scotland Correctional isn’t alone. Across southern U.S. states, extreme heat and aging infrastructure have made prisons increasingly dangerous during summer months.
In Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, federal lawsuits have been filed over similar conditions. North Carolina has largely avoided that spotlight—until now.
According to a 2023 report by the Prison Policy Initiative, fewer than half of North Carolina’s correctional facilities have fully functioning HVAC systems in all housing units. And even when they do, maintenance backlogs can delay repairs for weeks.
Here’s a quick look:
| State | % of Prisons with Full AC | Major Complaints (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 30% | Heat-related deaths, lawsuits |
| North Carolina | ~48% | Maintenance delays, poor airflow |
| South Carolina | 60% | Inconsistent cooling, old units |
| Georgia | 55% | Overcrowding, broken systems |
No federal law mandates air conditioning in prisons. But civil rights lawyers argue that extreme heat can constitute cruel and unusual punishment—especially when prison officials are aware and do nothing.
Families Demand Transparency and Urgency
Outside Scotland Correctional, some family members are preparing to protest. Others are organizing petitions and contacting media to draw attention.
One local pastor, whose nephew is incarcerated, said this week he plans to visit Raleigh. “If the Department of Adult Correction won’t respond, we’ll go to the General Assembly,” he said.
There’s anger, yes. But there’s also desperation.
People said they’re not just fighting for comfort. They’re fighting to make sure their loved ones survive the summer.
