Northpoint Training Center Riot: What Families Need to Know
A major disturbance happened here in 2018. Here is what occurred and what it means for families trying to stay connected.
Overview
In October 2018, a major disturbance at Northpoint Training Center drew statewide attention. Kentucky DOC deployed officers from other facilities, declared a state of emergency, and investigated the incident. The facility has since operated under normal conditions.
If you are searching for information because you are worried about someone there right now, the most direct step is to call the facility at (859) 239-7012. KDOC does not publish real-time lockdown alerts online.
Quick Facts
A major disturbance occurred at Northpoint Training Center in October 2018.
KDOC declared a state of emergency and brought in officers from other facilities to restore order.
During a lockdown, visits and phone calls are suspended until the facility returns to normal operations.
If you cannot reach someone, call the facility at (859) 239-7012 to get a status update.
KDOC does not always announce lockdowns publicly in real time.
The facility has been operating under normal conditions since the 2018 incident.
What Happened at Northpoint in 2018
In October 2018, a disturbance broke out at Northpoint Training Center involving a significant number of inmates. The incident escalated to the point where Kentucky Department of Corrections declared a state of emergency and brought in correctional officers from facilities across the state to help restore order.
The incident resulted in injuries to both inmates and staff, as well as property damage inside the facility. KDOC launched an investigation and provided public statements confirming the emergency response, though detailed findings from the investigation were not fully released to the public.
It was one of the more significant disturbances in the Kentucky prison system in recent years and received coverage from state media at the time.
How KDOC Responded
KDOC’s response included deploying additional staff from multiple institutions, locking down the facility, and isolating the affected housing areas. During that period, all visitation was suspended and phone access was restricted.
Emergency protocols in a Kentucky DOC facility typically involve: full facility lockdown, restriction of all inmate movement, suspension of programming and visitation, and communication restrictions until order is restored and safety is confirmed.
Following the incident, KDOC conducted an internal review. The facility returned to normal operations after the situation was resolved and assessed.
What a Lockdown Means for Families
During a lockdown, two things that families depend on are cut off: visits and phone calls. This is standard across Kentucky DOC and is not specific to Northpoint.
If someone stops calling and you are unable to reach them through normal channels, a lockdown is often the explanation. Lockdowns do not always make the news and KDOC does not post real-time alerts on their website.
The fastest way to confirm a lockdown is to call (859) 239-7012 and ask whether the facility is on modified operations and whether visits and calls are suspended. Staff can confirm the status without you needing to know details of any incident.
Transfers After an Incident
Following a major disturbance, KDOC may transfer certain inmates to other facilities. Transfers can happen quickly, and families may not receive immediate notice.
If you are concerned that someone was moved, search their name or KY DOC number on KOOL at kool.corrections.ky.gov. The current facility listed in their record will update once a transfer is processed, usually within a few days.
If you have a specific concern about safety, call the facility and ask to speak with a case manager.
Northpoint Today
Northpoint Training Center is operating under normal conditions. The 2018 incident was addressed and investigated. In-person visits run on weekends, phone calls go through Securus, and regular programming continues. Families can visit, call, and send money through the standard channels.
If you are looking for current contact information and the rules for staying in touch, the other guides in this section cover each topic in detail.
Families Also Ask
5 of 6 questions
Q
What happened at Northpoint Training Center in 2018?
In October 2018, a major disturbance broke out at Northpoint Training Center involving a large group of inmates. KDOC declared a state of emergency and deployed officers from other facilities to restore order. The incident resulted in injuries and property damage. Kentucky state officials reported that the situation was brought under control and investigated. The facility has since resumed normal operations.
Facility Info
Q
What causes a riot or disturbance at a prison?
Disturbances at correctional facilities can be triggered by many factors: overcrowding, disputes between groups, conflict with staff, grievances over conditions, or spontaneous fights that escalate. The causes of the 2018 Northpoint incident were investigated by KDOC, but detailed findings were not publicly released. Official KDOC records are the authoritative source for that information.
Facility Info
Q
What happens to visits and phone calls during a lockdown?
During a lockdown, all in-person visits are suspended. Phone calls may also be restricted or cut off entirely until the facility is cleared. If you cannot reach someone and suspect a lockdown is in effect, call the facility at (859) 239-7012. KDOC does not always post real-time lockdown updates publicly, so calling directly is the fastest way to get a status.
Facility Info
Q
Is Northpoint Training Center safe to visit today?
Yes. Northpoint Training Center is operating under normal conditions. The 2018 disturbance was addressed by KDOC and the facility has continued regular operations since then. In-person visits are held on weekends following the standard schedule. If there are any current disruptions, the facility will notify families through the normal channels.
Facility Info
Q
How do I find out if Northpoint is on lockdown right now?
Call the facility at (859) 239-7012 and ask about current visitation and phone status. KDOC does not publish live lockdown alerts on their website. If the person you are trying to reach is not calling and visits have been cancelled without notice, a lockdown is the most likely explanation. The facility staff can confirm whether operations are restricted.
Facility Info
Q
Will my loved one be transferred after an incident like this?
After a major disturbance, KDOC may transfer inmates to other facilities, particularly those involved in the incident or identified as a risk to safety. If you believe someone was transferred, use KOOL at kool.corrections.ky.gov to check their current location. The record will update once the transfer is processed, typically within a few days.