ORCU’s Deputy Warden Jackson Serves as Guest Speaker at College Government Class

Deputy Warden Anthony Jackson of the Ouachita River Correctional Unit (ORCU), was the guest speaker for an American National Government class at the College of the Ouachitas in Malvern, Arkansas on the evening of April 9, 2019. Mr. Jackson spoke on several topics which included the overall budget of the Arkansas Department of Correction, work release programs, and the economic impact that the ORCU has on the local economy.

ORCU D-Shift Holds “Biggest Loser” Contest

In an effort to focus on staff wellness, the D-Shift at the Ouachita River Correctional Unit decided to hold a “Biggest Loser” contest. In addition to the health benefits achieved by all contestants who took part, D-shift employees upped the ante by adding the incentive of raising $550 in cash to be given to the winner of the friendly competition!

Corporal Tyler Daniel, who lost 67 pounds, was declared the 1st PLACE WINNER of the contest and took home the prize money! Not far behind was Lieutenant Thomas McClard, who finished as runner up with a weight loss of 51 pounds!

1ST PLACE: Cpl. Tyler Daniel

RUNNER UP: Lt. Thomas McClard

CONGRATULATIONS to these two “losers,” who could more accurately be described as the BIGGEST WINNERS!

Grimes Unit Holds Blood Drive

The Grimes Unit hosted a Red Cross Blood Drive on April 8, 2019. Staff participation was excellent with the Red Cross collecting a total of 18 Units of blood! Among the Grimes Unit blood donors were:

A big THANK YOU goes to everyone who participated!

Legislation Protecting Correctional Employees Signed into Law

On Wednesday, April 3, 2019, Governor Asa Hutchinson signed Act 582 of 2019 into law with an Emergency Clause making it effective immediately!

Under this Act, if Battery in the First Degree is committed against an employee of a correctional facility (defined as a person who is employed by or working under a professional services contract with the Department of Correction or Community Correction ), it is a Class Y felony.

This legislation demonstrates that protecting correctional employees from violence in the workplace is a priority of the state.

Gratitude goes to Senator Missy Irvin and Representative Reginald Murdock for sponsoring this legislation.

It was a great honor for former Cpl. James Duke from the Maximum Security Unit and his wife (pictured below with Governor Hutchinson) to be present at the bill signing!

Beebe High School Class Visits Grimes Unit

A business law class from Beebe High School toured the Grimes Unit on Monday, March 25, 2019. The students were very inquisitive and staff enjoyed sharing with them what they do each day in their line of work.

The Grimes Unit is appreciative of the Beebe School District for allowing their students this opportunity to showcase the corrections profession in an effort to help educate and inform the next generation of citizens!

Christian Motorcyclists Association Hold Rodeo Event at Pine Bluff Complex

Members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association visited the Randall L. Williams and Pine Bluff Units on March 22 and 23, 2019 for a “rodeo” event. The group brought in a couple of motorcycles to the recreation yards at each unit and visited with inmates, as well as held revival services in the unit chapels. A total of 151 inmates took part in the event!

Pictured above are a few of the volunteers who assisted with the two-day event, including: Mark Madison (left); Jacqueline Blanchard, Certified Religious Assistant (CRA)-Wrightsville Unit; Robert Blanchard, CRA-Wrightsville Unit; Jerry Inman, CRA-Cummins Unit; Sid Wheat, Lloyd Bodkins; and Sammie Wheat.