Federal agency to conduct 'operational review' at Durham County jail

Sheriff Mike Andrews said in a news release the he requested the review in response to community concerns about conditions at the facility.

"When I contacted the National Institute of Corrections, I wanted an objective top-to-bottom look at our facility and its staff," Andrews said in a statement. "I believe a federal agency with the expertise and resources is the most qualified to recommend the best practices for our facility."

Since 2015, there have been three in-custody deaths at the facility. Protesters who rallied outside the Durham Performing Arts Center in March attributed those deaths to neglect. One of the deaths was due to a drug overdose, according to a medical examiner, and the other two cases are still under investigation.

The NIC is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Prisons that provides training, technical assistance, information services, and guidance with policy and program development.

Corrections experts conduct a thorough review of policies, procedures, records, and the daily operations of federal, state and local facilities.

Andrews said the findings of the review and any NIC recommendations would be made public.