Charlotte prison officials discuss safety following prison attack in Pasquotank County

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Prison administrators from the Charlotte area met with state officials recently as they try to keep neighbors and employees safe following a deadly prison attack in Pasquotank County.

Erik Hooks, secretary of public safety, told Channel 9 staffing across the state is the biggest issue.

While officials are reviewing the prison system, the state has increased staffing at plants where prisoners work.

They also pulled 250 inmates with violent backgrounds out of plant work.

"Very concerned how inmates that fit the profiles of these individuals even qualified for these jobs,” Hooks said.

The review comes after four inmates, including a convicted murderer from Charlotte, are accused of starting a fire inside the sewing plant at Pasquotank Correctional Institution in Elizabeth City in an attempt to escape.

Four employees died.

The state is now doing an internal review of its prison system and bringing in the National Institute of Corrections to advise them.

Cox Media Group