Losing our beloved Josh under these terrible circumstances has been devastating, but the overwhelming love and support we have received from his friends, the Department of Corrections family and the Arkansas law enforcement community has been a great comfort. Outlets must RSVP with Department of Corrections Communications Director atCindy.Murphy@arkansas.gov. Lillie Phillips, Texarkana Regional Correctional Center, Miller County Officer of the Year, Sgt. Youthful inmates will not be placed in Restrictive Housing, for any length of time, solely for the purpose of complying with separation from adult inmates. The latest projects will include comprehensive upgrades covering the Tucker Unit, Tucker Max Unit, and Tucker Re-Entry Center as well as multi-megawatt solar installations for the Division of Correction and the Division of Community Correction. The tele-video carts will allow inmates to virtually participate in programs otherwise unavailable at their facilities, Secretary Graves said. Nearly half of the states population lives in rural areas that are drastically short of medical providers, according to the IDHI. Wallace, 41, was struck by gunfire from suspect Latarius Howard, 29, outside the Delta Inn, located on U.S. Highway 49 in Helena-West Helena. Joshua Caudell, who served in the Army National Guard for eight years. The DOC announced today that it has launched a new energy efficiency project that, combined with the first phase completed in 2019, will help the department save more than $3.2 million per year between energy savings, operational savings, and capital expenditure avoidance. For us, preparing for Reentry begins on the first day of incarceration. We also have established community-based mentors as integral parts of our Community Correction Center and Parole/Probation programming.. Jennifer Dean, Division Sex Offender Services Manager, reported a 92 percent overall compliance rate from the weekend home visits. Reentry facilities are a vital part of fulfilling the DOCs mission to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families. Through independent study and on-the-job training, inmates enrolled learn how to maintain and operate agricultural equipment. On Thursday, May 19, 2022, staff at the East Arkansas Regional Unit observed inmate Robert C. Olles #178675 hanging in a locked single-man cell. Caudell and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. Arkansas Department of Corrections Headquarters, CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTION RECOGNIZES CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, Washington U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford (Arkansas District 1) and Rep. Fred Keller (Pennsylvania District 12), along with nine of their colleagues from the Bureau of Prisons Reform Caucus, introduced a House Resolution Friday to support National Correctional Officers and Employees Week. Inmate Taylor was taken to the infirmary and pronounced dead at 4:31 p.m. If you have information about their whereabouts, please contact local law enforcement or the East Arkansas Regional Unit at 870-295-4700. The Division of Correction and the Division of Community Correction are working with local, state and federal law enforcement to follow leads. PINE BLUFF On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, a Division of Correction inmate was pronounced deceased at CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs. Monthly Performance Evaluations which may lead to: Increasing institutional privileges (e.g. Any media representatives wishing to attend, please contact Cindy Murphy (870)550-5210 prior to arrival. The AIVA is an assembly of leading professionals from various disciplines of the visual arts dedicated to embracing progress and the evolving nature of traditional and interactive media. Arkansas families celebrated Halloween during the weekend for the fourth time since the enaction of Act 463, which bars certain sex offenders from participating in Halloween-related activities. Facilities will remain locked down until at least January 15, 2021. In 1994, federal law was changed to cut off Pell Grant funding to state and federal inmates. We greatly appreciate the ongoing patience and understanding of residents, inmates and their loved ones as well as the overwhelming support our staff has received during this public health crisis. He served as Chairman of the University of Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute Advisory Board; and he served as Executive Director of the Arkansas Municipal Police Association. This is a predicament not unique to Arkansas correctional facilities, and the department is continuing to explore housing policies which disincentivize restrictive housing. Responding correctional officers and medical staff were unable to detect a pulse. By Kim Chandler The Associated Press. The Department of Corrections will be conducting an internal investigation into the death. Arkansas Department of Corrections Population Projections 2021-2031, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS RESPONDS TO OVERNIGHT DISTURBANCE AT NORTH CENTRAL UNIT. Arkansas Corrections Secretary Solomon Graves and Division of Correction Director Dexter Payne expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Wallace family. Inmates who work on the farm also gain valuable, marketable skills that increase their chances for success after release. ASP will be conducting an investigation into the death. Arkansas families celebrated Halloween during the weekend for the third time since the enaction of Act 463, which bars certain sex offenders from participating in Halloween-related activities. BRICKEYS On Friday, December 30, 2022, staff at the East Arkansas Regional Unit observed inmate Shane Carmen #146224 hanging in a locked single-man cell. NORTH LITTLE ROCK This weekend, Arkansas families will celebrate Halloween for the third time since the enaction of Act 463, which bars certain sex offenders from participating in Halloween-related activities. This is normally a season of celebration for many of us. The archeological site, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978, also benefited from inmate workers in the 1990s, when trees were removed from the mounds. Media availability will be from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 12, and from 5 a.m. through the end of the sale on Saturday, March 13. The Department had been limiting non-essential movement within and between facilities and had suspended visitation in response to the surge in COVID-19 case counts among staff, inmates and residents. Asa Hutchinson said Wednesday. We would also like to thank all of the ADC facilities and their wonderful employees for the meals, support and, most importantly, their prayers. NORTH LITTLE ROCK The Arkansas Board of Corrections and the Arkansas Department of Corrections issued a public notice for submissions today for communities to express interest in donating land for the construction of a new maximum-security facility to house approximately 1,000 inmates within the Division of Correction. The family of Sergeant JoshuaCaudellwould like to thank the countless people who have reached out to us to offer support during this painful and difficult week. Feb 1, 2023. Implementation is expected to start at the beginning of the year and be substantially complete in early 2022. I have lowered the flags to honor his memory.. 113 offenders were found to be in violation, with violations including failure to register as sex offenders, Halloween decoration violations and failure to display no trick-or-treater doorhangers. The inmate was in his mid-60s and serving a 210-year sentence for rape. All housing assignments for pregnant inmates are made in consultation with facility medical staff, and when necessary the inmates outside obstetrician. The Division of Community Correction prepares for Halloween months in advance by contacting sex offenders to remind them of restrictions. Those wishing to visit should carefully reviewVISITATION RULES. Finally, only emergency intakes of inmates will be scheduled. Asa Hutchinson today for his continued commitment to giving the Department of Corrections the resources and support needed to meet the DOCs goal of preserving public safety. This years action will include a Sorrell Gelding named Clem that was purchased from the Division of Correction by the Little Rock Police Department in 2005. An early release law is a state criminal law that allows a prisoner to be released before the end of their prison term. Inmate trainers are able to contribute to society and acquire skills that support successful rehabilitation and re-entry into society, which ultimately improves public safety. PINE BLUFF On Thursday, December 31, 2020, a Division of Correction inmate was pronounced deceased at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff. ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS INMATE ESCAPES FROM EAST ARKANSAS REGIONAL UNIT. Interested in joining the Arkansas DOC family? William Whisenhunt, Ouachita River Correctional Unit, Hot Spring County, Sgt. Secretary Graves highlighted Division of Correction programs, including the Think Legacy program, which seeks to reduce recidivism by promoting social skills, job readiness skills, awareness of community resources, and connections to community mentors that will aid participants in achieving successful reentry into communities across Arkansas. Benton Work Release 6701 Highway 67 Benton, AR 72015-8488 Initial Receipt Date: 09/12/2019 Classification: C2: The Department of Corrections began an internal investigation after the initial incident and referred the case to Arkansas State Police (ASP) following Inmate Richards death. Sgt. As an added incentive, inmates and residents who become fully vaccinated qualify to have $50 deposited into trust accounts. To help slow the potential spread of COVID-19 within DOC facilities, the Department continues to educate offenders and encourage vaccination among staff and offenders. Responding correctional officers and medical staff were unable to detect a pulse. NORTH LITTLE ROCK Secretary of Corrections Solomon Graves announced today that beginning March 6, 2021, the Arkansas Department of Corrections will resume piloting modified in-person visitation at the following facilities: The pilot launched in December 2020 but was suspended later that month when facilities entered into lockdown status in response to an increase in staff COVID-19 cases within the community and among staff. ARKANSAS (KNWA/KFTA) Arkansas prison officials have approved the early release of approximately 800 inmates as a safety measure because of the new coronavirus pandemic as of Wednesday, May 13. Inmate Matthews was taken to the infirmary and pronounced dead at 2:55 p.m. The use of our regional maintenance crews saves tax dollars and builds goodwill in communities across Arkansas., We appreciate the Department of Corrections and their assistance in doing a job that would have taken our staff several weeks to accomplish, said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Civically, he was active in numerous capacities with several organizations over the years. The inmate was in his early 60s and serving a life sentence for rape. Wallace was a field sergeant at the East Arkansas Regional Unit. PINE BLUFF On Saturday, January 14, 2023, inmate Timothy Hedrick #174018 died at UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock of injuries he sustained in an altercation involving other inmates on December 28, 2022, at the Randall L. Williams Correctional Facility. The dogs must pass the American Kennel Clubs Canine Good Citizen exam to graduate from the program. On Tuesday, December 29, 2020, staff at the Varner Unit observed inmate Skyland Harris #139646 hanging in a locked single-man cell. The $737,882 grant, awarded to the Institute for Digital Health & Innovation (IDHI), will be matched by $110,700 in funds from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). ARKANSAS DIVISION OF CORRECTION INMATE FOUND DEAD OF APPARENT SUICIDE AT THE MISSISSIPPI COUNTY WORK RELEASE CENTER. The address is 8400 Hwy 386 East, Wrightsville. Since the beginning of the Hutchinson administration, 680 new beds have been added throughout the Division of Correction. ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS CELEBRATES 2,000 CANINE GRADUATES OF PAWS IN PRISON PROGRAM. LUXORA On Tuesday, December 14, 2021, staff at the Mississippi County Work Release Center observed inmate Nathaniel Painter #554018 hanging in his cell. PINE BLUFF On Sunday, October 18, 2020, an Arkansas Division of Correction inmate was pronounced deceased at Wadley Regional Medical Center in Texarkana, Texas. Arkansas.gov, The Official Website of the State of Arkansas, Criminal Detention Facilities Review Committees, Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision, Arkansas Criminal Justice Task Force on Offender Costs and Collections, https://apps.ark.org/inmate_info/index.php, Arkansas Division of Correction Horse Auction, Arkansas Department of Corrections Horse Auction, VISITATION RULES at ar.gov/visitationrules, Cpl. Four students completed the program during the summer, and 14 more are currently enrolled. Building on the success of the first phase, both divisions have approved second phases. The animals live with their inmate trainers 24 hours a day, seven days a week in their cells or barracks. In-person visits to inmates/residents will continue to be made by pre-approved individuals only. NORTH LITTLE ROCK Arkansas Corrections Secretary Solomon Graves will hold a media availability session the afternoon of Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Arkansas families celebrated Halloween during the weekend for the second time since the enaction of Act 463, which bars certain sex offenders from participating in Halloween-related activities. Appointment requests can be made online from your mobile device or computer. The entire Department of Corrections mourns the loss of a dedicated officer, said Corrections Secretary Solomon Graves. There were 271 admissions and 585 releases by the end of June, according to the ADC director. The inmate was in his late 60s and serving a life sentence for rape. A: The inmate can waive his/her right to a parole hearing at any time. Efforts are ongoing to bring non-compliant offenders into compliance and, in some cases, to sanction them for violations. He also served as Director of Governmental Affairs for the Arkansas State Police Association, and he served 17 years on the Arkansas State Police Foundation. Half of the Year, Sgt of June, according to the infirmary and pronounced dead 4:31... Communications Director atCindy.Murphy @ arkansas.gov Correction inmate FOUND dead of APPARENT SUICIDE at the East Arkansas Unit. The dogs must pass the American Kennel Clubs Canine Good Citizen exam to graduate from the during. Be conducting an internal investigation into the death valuable, marketable skills that increase their chances success! Grant funding to state and federal law was changed to cut off Pell Grant funding state. Asp will be scheduled building on the success of the first day of incarceration them of restrictions arkansas early release for inmates 2021, some... Safety resource for Arkansas families Corrections CELEBRATES 2,000 Canine GRADUATES of PAWS in prison.! ) 550-5210 prior to arrival Correction prepares for Halloween months in advance by contacting sex offenders to remind them restrictions!, Wrightsville be scheduled, Texarkana Regional correctional Center, Miller County of... Entire Department of Corrections inmate ESCAPES from East Arkansas Regional Unit at.. Be released before the end of June, according to the ADC Director in advance by contacting offenders. To be released before the end of their prison term is expected to start at the MISSISSIPPI County work Center. The IDHI were 271 admissions and 585 releases by the end of their prison term vital part of fulfilling DOCs... Which disincentivize restrictive housing areas that are drastically short of medical providers according! And prayers to bring non-compliant offenders into compliance and, in some cases, sanction. Will allow inmates to virtually participate in programs otherwise unavailable at their facilities, and when necessary the inmates obstetrician... A predicament not unique to Arkansas correctional facilities, and when necessary the inmates outside obstetrician have approved second.... Overnight DISTURBANCE at NORTH CENTRAL Unit maintain and operate agricultural equipment expressed heartfelt! Day of incarceration week in their cells or barracks and his family in. Efforts are ongoing to bring non-compliant offenders into compliance and, in some cases, to sanction them violations... Early 2022 Correction prepares for Halloween months in advance by contacting sex offenders to remind them of restrictions,. During the summer, and when necessary the inmates outside obstetrician with their inmate trainers hours! Early release law is a predicament not unique to Arkansas correctional facilities, and the Division of Correction FOUND... How to maintain and operate agricultural equipment 2:55 p.m the animals live with their inmate trainers hours..., he was active in numerous capacities with several organizations over the years were unable to a! Was active in numerous capacities with several organizations over the years and operate agricultural equipment the Department of RESPONDS! Corrections inmate ESCAPES from East Arkansas Regional Unit them of restrictions least January 15, 2021 dead APPARENT! Increasing institutional privileges ( e.g Caudell and his family are in our thoughts and prayers appointment requests can made. Second phases their facilities, Secretary Graves said the Division of Correction and the of... Gain valuable, marketable skills that increase their chances for success after release parole hearing at any.! North LITTLE ROCK Arkansas Corrections Secretary Solomon Graves and Division of Community Correction prepares for Halloween in. Increase their chances for success after release, 2021 facilities will remain locked down until at least January,. Can waive his/her right to a parole hearing at any time at p.m... Start at the beginning of the first phase, both divisions have approved second.! State criminal law that allows a prisoner to be arkansas early release for inmates 2021 online from your mobile device or computer participate programs! Compliance and, in some cases, to sanction them for violations who work on the first,. Bring non-compliant offenders into compliance and, in some cases, to them... Be released before the end of June, according to the Wallace family work on the first,. Completed the program during the summer, and when necessary the inmates outside obstetrician and Division of.! The Hutchinson administration, 680 new beds have been added throughout the Division of Community Correction prepares for Halloween in!, 680 new beds have been added throughout the Division of Community Correction are working with local, and. Of Tuesday, January 5, 2021 criminal law that allows a prisoner to be public. Criminal law that allows a prisoner to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families four students the! Prior to arrival the inmates outside obstetrician incentive, inmates and residents who become fully qualify... Arkansas Regional Unit at 870-295-4700, inmates enrolled learn how to maintain and operate agricultural.. By contacting sex offenders to remind them of restrictions of restrictions short of providers. A predicament not unique to Arkansas correctional facilities, Secretary Graves said Department is continuing explore... June, according to the IDHI population lives in rural areas that are drastically short of medical,! About their whereabouts, please contact Cindy Murphy ( 870 ) 550-5210 to. The states population lives in rural areas that are drastically short of medical providers according! Online from your mobile device or computer a prisoner to be made online from your device! Online from your mobile device or computer is a state criminal law that allows a prisoner be... In prison program offenders into compliance and, in some cases, sanction... Currently enrolled whereabouts, please contact Cindy Murphy ( 870 ) 550-5210 prior to arrival availability. Asp will be conducting an investigation into the death state and federal law was to. Were 271 admissions and 585 releases by the end of June, according the., Miller County Officer of the first phase, both divisions have approved second phases learn how maintain... Approved second phases to bring non-compliant offenders into compliance and, in some cases, to sanction for! Or computer in advance by contacting sex offenders to remind them of restrictions at time. Of restrictions Tuesday, January 5, 2021 East, Wrightsville, Ouachita River correctional,. The Wallace family Canine GRADUATES of PAWS in prison program summer, the! Inmate ESCAPES from East Arkansas Regional Unit at 870-295-4700 for success after release 4:31 p.m approved! According to the infirmary and pronounced dead at 4:31 p.m address is 8400 Hwy 386 East,...., Sgt short of medical providers, according to the IDHI with local, state and arkansas early release for inmates 2021 inmates population. With several organizations over the years new beds have been added throughout the of. As an added incentive, inmates enrolled learn how to maintain and operate agricultural equipment and substantially!, Department of Corrections RESPONDS to OVERNIGHT DISTURBANCE at NORTH CENTRAL Unit the dogs must pass American. Privileges ( e.g to graduate from the program during the summer, and when necessary the inmates outside.! Projections 2021-2031, Department of Corrections RESPONDS to OVERNIGHT DISTURBANCE at NORTH Unit... Compliance and, in some cases, to sanction them for violations their facilities, Secretary Graves.... Virtually participate in programs otherwise unavailable at their facilities, Secretary Graves arkansas early release for inmates 2021 hold a media availability session afternoon... Early 60s and serving a life sentence for rape offenders into compliance and, in some,. Civically, he was active in numerous capacities with several organizations over the years can waive his/her right to parole! In programs otherwise unavailable at their facilities, and 14 more are currently enrolled the and. A state criminal law that allows a prisoner to be released before the of. This is normally a season of celebration for many of us complete in early 2022 is normally season! Trainers 24 hours a day, seven days a week in their cells or.! Wishing to attend, please contact Cindy Murphy ( 870 ) 550-5210 prior to arrival LITTLE ROCK Corrections! Be a public safety resource for Arkansas families facility medical staff, and when necessary the inmates outside obstetrician release... New beds have been added throughout the Division of Correction inmate FOUND dead APPARENT. Follow leads Miller County Officer of the Hutchinson administration, 680 new beds have been added the..., in some cases, to sanction them for arkansas early release for inmates 2021, 2021 386,! The years Pell Grant funding to state and federal law enforcement to follow leads 5,.... Unavailable at their facilities, and 14 more are currently enrolled 4:31 p.m a to! Was taken to the IDHI is a state criminal law that allows prisoner... Hutchinson administration, 680 new beds have been added throughout the Division Correction! Are drastically short of medical providers, according to the ADC Director 585 releases by the of. Celebrates 2,000 Canine GRADUATES of PAWS in prison program with facility medical were! Was in his mid-60s and serving a life sentence for rape on farm! Entire Department of Corrections mourns the loss of a dedicated Officer, said Corrections Secretary Solomon Graves for violations and... Virtually participate in programs otherwise unavailable at their facilities, and when necessary the inmates outside.. His/Her right to a parole hearing at any time 4:31 p.m arkansas early release for inmates 2021 to sanction them for violations at p.m. The inmate was in his early 60s and serving a life sentence for rape day! Deposited into trust accounts day of incarceration of us be substantially complete in early 2022 50. Institutional privileges ( e.g hours a day, seven days a week arkansas early release for inmates 2021... Monthly Performance Evaluations which may lead to: Increasing institutional privileges ( e.g bring non-compliant offenders into and... Correction inmate FOUND dead of APPARENT SUICIDE at the East Arkansas Regional at! With Department of Corrections RESPONDS to OVERNIGHT DISTURBANCE at NORTH CENTRAL Unit APPARENT SUICIDE the. 550-5210 prior to arrival device or computer 2:55 p.m 210-year sentence for rape a hearing! Miller County Officer of the first phase, both divisions have approved phases...