Why is a new facility needed?
The new facility in Franklin County will be part of a larger strategy to alleviate overcrowding at a number of prisons throughout Arkansas, as well as at the county level. Additional bed space has been addressed at units across the state over the past two years, including recent additions in Phillips County and a planned expansion of a women’s facility in Little Rock. The Franklin County facility would mark the first new unit built in Arkansas since the Ouachita River Unit opened in 2003.
What type of inmates will be housed at the new facility?
Arkansas’ prisons house a variety of inmates, ranging from minimum security to maximum security. The Department is in the process of determining the type of housing units best suited to be built at the new Franklin County facility, focusing on the needs of the State.
What type of services and programs will the new facility contain?
Facilities across the state of Arkansas provide a number of services and programs aimed at keeping the institutions running, while also addressing the needs of the incarcerated population. Some of these include farming, food preparation, laundry, construction, maintenance, and manufacturing. Additionally, the Department offers educational and vocational training, spiritual support, and physical and mental health programming to address the needs of inmates. Our goal is to provide opportunities for inmates that assist in reducing recidivism, which will be key considerations during the planning phase for the new Franklin County facility.
What steps will be taken to ensure the safety and security of the community once the new facility is opened?
Safety and security are the top priority at Arkansas facilities – for staff, inmates, and the community alike. The Department of Corrections continuously monitors and implements the latest safety procedures. Best-practice scenarios, along with technological advancements, will be major components to the security strategy at the Franklin County facility, utilizing proven methods at our existing facilities, along with improvements gleaned from our peers in the Corrections industry.
Where will the staffing for the new facility come from?
Staffing for the new facility in Franklin County will focus on a 30-mile radius from the new facility, providing a possible work force that includes the Fort Smith area, eastern Oklahoma, as well as potentially expanding to parts of Northwest Arkansas and Russellville. In contrast to other facilities across the state, the area provides a larger pool of potential staff than other smaller communities that have staffed prisons for decades.
What is Vanir’s role in the new facility?
As the Owner’s Representative for the new Correctional Facility project, Vanir Construction Management, Inc. (Vanir) is overseeing the planning, design, and construction phases to ensure the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Vanir is serving as the primary liaison between the State and contractors, providing expert guidance, risk management, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory and contractual obligations. Vanir’s role is essential in ensuring the successful delivery of the project while safeguarding the State of Arkansas’ interests.
