Following an overview of the mission and organization of the North Carolina Department of Correction (DOC), DOC's Division of Prisons is profiled. Features of the prison admission diagnostic process are then explained. This pertains to the procedures followed when a person enters prison. Processing by a diagnostic center obtains information on the inmate's family history, educational background, work history, medical history, and criminal history. This includes screening for medical, dental, and mental health problems. The inmate is tested and interviewed to determine his/her interests and abilities. This information will be used in recommending future job and program assignments. The locations and visitation rules of the diagnostic centers are provided. The inmate classification system is then explained, which involves assigning the inmate to a facility that can best meet his/her educational, vocational, health, and other treatment needs. The handbook's section on inmate programs describes the programs and services that are available to inmates. Details of substance abuse treatment programs are described in a separate section of the handbook. A section on communications answers such questions as whether inmates can use the telephone, obtaining general information about an inmate, and whether an inmate can send and receive mail, including packages. Other sections of the handbook explain rules that pertain to visitation, the prison's commitment to maintaining inmates' family relationships, custody and security, searches, health care services, mental health services, food services, administrative services, sentencing, release planning, and additional services and information.