N.C. Gen. Stat. § 162-35

Upon information received from the superintendent of any correctional or any penal institution, established by the laws of the State, that any person confined in such institution or assigned thereto by juvenile or other court under authority of law, has escaped therefrom and is still at large, it shall be the duty of sheriffs of the respective counties of the State, and of any peace officer in whose jurisdiction such person may be found, to take into his custody such escaped person, if to be found in his county, and to cause his return to the custody of the proper officer of the institution from which he has escaped.