Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Jamel James, Warden of Central Prison in Raleigh.

Jamel James has worked for North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for 27 years. He was appointed Warden of Central Prison in October 2022. He was previously Warden at Franklin Correctional Center since 2021. Warden James began his career as a Correctional Officer at Wake Correctional Center in 2000. He rose through the ranks at Wake CC to Sergeant, Lieutenant and in 2017 to Assistant Superintendent of Custody and Operations. Central Prison is a complex operation that houses many of the special populations within the prison system. Those with acute medical or mental health needs, many of the most violent offenders who require high levels of security and those housed on Death Row.

Warden James remains committed to NCDAC mission and to the safety of staff, those in our custody and the citizens of North Carolina. He is a member of the North American Association of Warden, The American Correctional Association, the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault, SEAN District and serves as a board member at the State Employees Credit Union in Zebulon. 

Thank you, Jamel, for your service! As a token of our appreciation, we’re sending you a $50 gift card to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to thank you for all you do.