Over 80 inmates involved in disturbance at Craven Correctional Institution

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety confirmed there was a 'disturbance' in a cell block at Craven Correctional Institution on Sunday morning. '

DCPS said a disturbance is defined as "a step down from a riot where fewer inmates are involved and there is no control or minimal control of any portion of the facility by inmates."

A spokesman for NCDPS said about 82 inmates were upset at "having to abide by the pandemic protocols in place at the institution for the health of the offenders and the staff."

Prison Emergency Response Team (PERT) took control of the cellblock shortly after the incident happened at 7:12 a.m.

The spokesman said no use of force was necessary and no injuries to inmates or staff was reported.

Craven Correctional Institution will remain on lockdown until further notice.

An internal investigation is underway and any inmates involved in the incident will face internal disciplinary measures.