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For additional information, please contact Communications Director Cindy Murphy at cindy.murphy@arkansas.gov
JANUARY 15, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ARKANSAS DIVISION OF CORRECTION INMATE FOUND DEAD OF APPARENT SUICIDE AT THE OUACHITA RIVER CORRECTIONAL UNIT
On Friday, January 15, 2021, staff at the Ouachita River Correctional Unit observed inmate Marshall Curry #141424 hanging in a locked single-man cell. Responding correctional officers and medical staff were unable to detect a pulse. Inmate Curry was pronounced dead at 6:57 a.m. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) was immediately notified and responded to the unit. ASP will be conducting an investigation into the death. The Division of Correction will be conducting an internal investigation into the death.
Inmate Jones was a 32-year-old black male serving a 25-year sentence out of Pulaski County for rape.
JANUARY 12, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Arkansas Department of Corrections Responds to the “Solitary Confinement” Report issued by External Stakeholder Groups
The Arkansas Department of Corrections is issuing this response to the January 8, 2021, “solitary confinement” report issued by two external stakeholder groups. As both external stakeholder groups chose not contact the Department in advance of publication, this report generally provides a biased and inaccurate description of the utilization of restrictive housing in the State of Arkansas. The Department actively works to limit the use of restrictive housing. In fact, the Department has adapted policies and procedures during the past three years to ensure that the use of restrictive housing is reduced and utilized only when absolutely necessary. That said, our priority must always be to maintain a safe environment for our inmates and staff, so restrictive housing is thoughtfully and carefully implemented when an inmate poses a direct threat to the safety of individuals or to the secure operations of our units. Key elements of the Department’s Restrictive Housing policies and procedures are summarized below:
- The Division of Correction uses multi-step assessment procedures that include checks and balances and oversight protocols to eliminate unwarranted restrictive housing placement. Inmates are placed in restrictive housing only after a careful review determines that the inmate poses a direct threat to the safety of others or are a clear threat to the safe and secure operations of the facility. Within 24 hours of restrictive housing placement, a second review is conducted by authorities not involved in the initial placement decision. Then, within 7 days, a Classification Committee holds a hearing to determine the most appropriate placement of the inmate. Additionally, a mental health practitioner completes a mental health appraisal of all inmates in restrictive housing within 7 days of placement.
- A common misconception of restrictive housing is that the practice is used only for punitive reasons. In fact, restrictive housing is frequently used for the safety of inmates during an investigation, to provide additional security for inmates pending trial, when disciplinary court review is pending, or when inmates are preparing to transfer to another unit for security reasons.
- Inmates who are under the age of 18, inmates who are pregnant and inmates who are seriously mentally ill are NOT placed in extended restrictive housing, which is restrictive housing for 22 hours per day for 30 or more days.
- 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. If a youthful inmate’s behavior becomes unmanageable and all efforts to deescalate that behavior have failed, and there is a direct threat to the safe and secure operations of the housing unit, the inmate, staff, or other inmates, the Warden or Duty Warden (if after hours) must be notified.
- All housing assignments for pregnant inmates are made in consultation with facility medical staff, and when necessary the inmates outside obstetrician.
- All housing assignments for seriously mentally ill inmates are made in consultation with a qualified mental health professional as a part of the inmate’s individualized treatment plan.
- Additional safeguards are in place to ensure that restrictive housing is used only when necessary, including allowing inmates hearings to appeal their restrictive housing placement and the review by Wardens and Deputy Directors of any long-term Restrictive housing placements.
The Division of Correction has a robust Step-Down Program designed to reduce the use of extended restrictive housing and to thoughtfully and strategically prepare inmates for transition from extended restrictive housing to the general population or the community. The Step-Down Program is a coordinated, multidisciplinary team approach that includes healthcare, security staff and provides participating inmates with a transition plan consisting of the following:
- A Pre-Screening Evaluation
- Monthly Performance Evaluations which may lead to:
- Increasing -out-of-cell time
- Increasing group interaction
- Increasing programmatic opportunities
- Increasing institutional privileges (e.g. visitation, telephone, and commissary)
- A Transition Compliance Review
- A Post-Screening Evaluation
It is important to note that data reflective in the report do not account for those inmates who are chronically unruly and actively work to remain in restricted housing because they prefer that isolated environment. It is not uncommon for inmates to deliberately violate rules so that they will be disciplined, allowing them to remain in restricted housing. During the past year alone, there were more than 300 documented incidents where inmates refused to return to general population after completing required time in restricted housing. This is a predicament not unique to Arkansas correctional facilities, and the department is continuing to explore housing policies which disincentivize restrictive housing.
JANUARY 5, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ARKANSAS DIVISION OF CORRECTION INMATE FOUND DEAD OF APPARENT SUICIDE AT THE EAST ARKANSAS REGIONAL UNIT
On Tuesday, January 5, 2021, staff at the East Arkansas Regional Unit observed inmate Billy Ray Jones #161430 hanging in a locked single-man cell. Responding correctional officers and medical staff were unable to detect a pulse. Inmate Jones was pronounced dead at 3:31 a.m. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) was immediately notified and responded to the unit. ASP will be conducting an investigation into the death. The Division of Correction will be conducting an internal investigation into the death.
Inmate Jones was a 30-year-old black male serving a 27-year sentence out of Union County for second-degree murder.
January 4, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS BEGINS COVID-19 VACCINATION OF SECURITY STAFF AND MEDICAL PARTNERS
NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Corrections Secretary Solomon Graves will hold a media availability session the afternoon of Tuesday, January 5, 2021.
Details are as follows:
WHAT:
The Arkansas Department of Corrections is scheduled to conduct its first round of COVID-19 immunizations beginning this week. Employees from the Division of Correction and from Wellpath, the Department’s contracted medical provider,willreceive the COVID-19 vaccine and discuss how the pandemic has impacted their lives, both personally and professionally.
WHEN:
3:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 5, 2021
WHERE:
Richard Lee Richardson Auditorium, 1302 Pike Ave., Suite B149, North Little Rock, AR
December 31, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DIVISION OF CORRECTION INMATE PRONOUNCED DEAD AT LOCAL HOSPITAL
PINE BLUFF – On Thursday, December 31, 2020, a Division of Correction inmate was pronounced deceased at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff. The Tucker Unit inmate was undergoing treatment for COVID-related symptoms. The inmate was in his early 70s and serving a 20-year sentence for rape.
December 30, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS SUSPENDS ALL NON-ESSENTIAL UNIT OPERATIONS DUE TO INCREASE IN COVID CASES AMONG STAFF
NORTH LITTLE ROCK –Secretary of Corrections Solomon Graves notified Department leadership on Wednesday, December 30, that in response to a recent increase in staff COVID-19 cases, all Department of Corrections (DOC) facilities will immediately enter into lockdown status. On Tuesday, 192 DOC employees were positive for COVID-19 and on leave. Facilities will remain locked down until at least January 15, 2021. The need for an extension will be evaluated at that time.
While locked down, all non-essential movement within facilities or between facilities will be suspended. A visitation pilot launched earlier this month at Benton Work Release, Delta Regional Unit, Northeast Arkansas Community Correction Center and Northwest Arkansas Community Correction Center will be suspended. Finally, only emergency intakes of inmates will be scheduled.
“The goal of this lockdown is to lessen the impact of the increase in community cases,” Secretary Graves said. While providing an update on COVID-19 vaccine distribution to staff on Tuesday, Secretary Graves reminded staff of the ‘3 Ws’ of COVID-19 response by saying, “While we wait to receive a vaccine, I want to again stress the three things we can do today to protect ourselves, our families, and our facilities and offices: WASH your hands, WEAR a mask, and WATCH your distance.” The Secretary went on to further encourage social distancing when the said, “…please follow the advice of public health professionals and limit social gatherings. This is normally a season of celebration for many of us. I am asking that you join me in making this a season of sacrifice so we can enjoy the Spring, Summer and beyond as healthy as possible.”
DECEMBER 30, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ARKANSAS DIVISION OF CORRECTION INMATE FOUND DEAD OF APPARENT SUICIDE AT THE VARNER UNIT
On Tuesday, December 29, 2020, staff at the Varner Unit observed inmate Skyland Harris #139646 hanging in a locked single-man cell. Responding correctional officers and medical staff were unable to detect a pulse. Inmate Harris was pronounced dead at 12:54 p.m. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) was immediately notified and responded to the unit. ASP will be conducting an investigation into the death. The Division of Correction will be conducting an internal investigation into the death.
Inmate Harris was a 33-year-old black male serving a 20-year sentence out of Pulaski County for aggravated robbery.
December 28, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ARKANSAS CORRECTIONS SECRETARY APPLAUDS THE RESTORATION OF PELL GRANTS FOR INCARCERATED STUDENTS
NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Secretary of Corrections Solomon Graves expressed appreciation to the U.S. Congress and President Trump for restoring Pell Grant funding for individuals incarcerated in state and federal correctional facilities. In 1994, federal law was changed to cut off Pell Grant funding to state and federal inmates. The restoration was included in the federal spending and pandemic relief bill signed over the weekend by President Trump.
“I am thrilled that offenders in Arkansas, and across the nation, will again be able to benefit from Pell Grants,” Secretary Graves said. “Reversing the ban on Pell Grants for prisoners is a significant step toward making higher education and career technical education a reality for a larger share of our population and substantially increasing offenders’ chances of one day becoming productive returning members of our communities. Expanding access to higher education will greatly advance our mission to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders.”
During the past three years, about 17,000 people nationwide have enrolled in classes as part of the Second Chance Pell Program, a U.S. Department of Education pilot program. Since 2017, the Arkansas Department of Corrections has participated in the pilot, which allows eligible inmates to use Pell Grant funding to pay for college classes at Shorter College and Arkansas State University – Newport.
December 14, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS SEES BIG SAVINGS WITH SOLAR ENERGY
NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC) makes up roughly 6% of the state’s annual budget, so any opportunity for savings is hugely beneficial to taxpayers. 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. Additionally, the project benefits from new Arkansas solar laws, which allow public entities to take advantage of federal tax credits and net metering rules. The improved efficiencies are yet another step the agency has taken under the leadership of Arkansas Corrections Secretary Solomon Graves to fulfil Governor Asa Hutchinson’s initiative for streamlined state government.
“Since taking office six years ago, my administration has taken steps to transform Arkansas state government to become more streamlined and cost-efficient,” said Governor Hutchinson. “The latest project from the now consolidated Department of Corrections is exactly the type of transformation we hoped to see. I applaud Secretary Graves and Secretary Keogh for the work they have done with their respective agencies in allowing cost saving projects like this to occur.”
In 2013, the Arkansas General Assembly passed Act 554 creating the Arkansas Energy Performance Contracting (AEPC) program. Act 554 allows Arkansas’ state agencies to participate in energy performance contracts, in which a project’s annual energy and maintenance savings are used to fully cover the cost of work over a specified period. Under the terms of the legislation and AEPC program guidelines, a project’s annual savings must be guaranteed by the company performing the work.
Secretary Graves said, “I’m excited for yet another initiative that will help us become more efficient in our operations without cutting services. This will result in improved delivery of services and will ultimately save the state and taxpayers money by allowing the Department to reallocate savings to meet other capital needs. I want to thank Governor Hutchinson, the General Assembly, and E&E for giving us the opportunity to improve our facilities with the AEPC program.”
The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s (E&E) Office of Energy oversees the AEPC program, providing technical guidance and oversight on all projects. Becky Keogh, E&E Cabinet Secretary, said the AEPC program “promotes efficiency in state government, having guaranteed Arkansas taxpayers nearly $500 million in savings since 2013. We commend the DOC for its collaborative and innovative approach to reducing costs, conserving energy resources, and creating efficiencies.”
In 2017, the Division of Correction and Division of Community Correction, both now part of the consolidated Department of Corrections, signed Performance Contracts with Entegrity, a Little Rock-based Energy Services Company (ESCO). The Phase 1 Projects concentrated on the Division of Correction’s East Arkansas Regional Unit in Brickeys and Delta Regional Unit in Dermott as well as the Division of Community Correction’s correctional centers in Texarkana, Little Rock, Osceola, Fayetteville, Malvern, and West Memphis.
The 2017 projects included converting more than 17,000 light fixtures to LED, composting food waste for use in prison farm operations, comprehensive heating and air upgrades, and conserving water through a variety of strategic upgrades. In addition, both projects featured 300 kW solar arrays at the Division of Correction’s East Arkansas Regional Unit and the Division of Correction’s Osceola facility.
Since completion, the actual annual savings from the first phase have exceeded the $1.1 million guaranteed by Entegrity to the Division of Correction and the $612,000 guaranteed by Entegrity to the Division of Community Correction. The projects not only paid for themselves but also redirected funds back into the agency’s budget. Building on the success of the first phase, both divisions have approved second phases. 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.
Chris Ladner, Entegrity’s founding partner, said, “We’re honored to continue our work in assisting the DOC improve performance and reduce waste. This project will create numerous short-term and long-term benefits that will benefit the agency and its facilities for decades to come.”
Implementation is expected to start at the beginning of the year and be substantially complete in early 2022. This second phase of the projects are guaranteed by Entegrity under Performance Contracting to not only pay for themselves but to also put money back into the state agency’s budget. Phase 2 savings will be realized by:
- Replacing 4,800 lighting fixtures with tamper-resistant LED lighting fixtures, reducing lighting energy and maintenance expenses by 60%.
- Installing 2,300 smart water fixtures, reducing water and sewer costs by 35%.
- Composting food waste through in-vessel, rotary drum digesters, reducing water and natural gas use by more than $150,000 per year.
- Replacing HVAC equipment, performing tune-ups, and control upgrades, reducing operating costs by $100,00 per year.
- Educating select inmates on basic maintenance and operation of mechanical systems.
- A 6.5 MW Solar Services Agreement for the Division of Correction and a 2.5 MW Solar Services Agreement for the Division of Community Correction, pending approvals from the Arkansas Public Service Commission. Together, the solar arrays will save the agency more than $250,000 per year.
The biggest differences between Phase 1 and Phase 2 are the SSAs made possible by the 2019 Solar Access Act (Act 464), which passed with near unanimous support in the Arkansas General Assembly. The SSA will involve zero debt and enables the agency to purchase clean energy that takes advantage of federal tax credits. Combined, the projects result in guaranteed savings of $3.2 million per year for Department.
Secretary Graves said, “We are eager to start this second phase. It is one of many steps we will take in the coming year to improve our outcomes and do our part to continue the transformation of state government.”
December 9, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DIVISION OF CORRECTION INMATE PRONOUNCED DEAD AT LOCAL HOSPITAL
PINE BLUFF – On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, a Division of Correction inmate was pronounced deceased at CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs. The East Arkansas Regional Unit inmate was undergoing treatment for COVID-related symptoms. The inmate was in his late 40s and serving a 150-year sentence for sexual assault.
November 28, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TWO DIVISION OF CORRECTION INMATES PRONOUNCED DEAD IN UNRELATED INCIDENTS
PINE BLUFF – On Wednesday, November 25, 2020, a Division of Correction inmate was pronounced deceased at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. The Grimes Unit inmate was undergoing treatment for COVID-related symptoms. The inmate was in his late 40s and serving a 10-year sentence for sexual assault.
On Saturday, November 28, 2020, staff at Ouachita River Correctional Unit observed inmate Demeckus Singleton #154615 hanging in a locked single-man cell. Responding correctional officers and medical staff were unable to detect a pulse. Inmate Singleton was pronounced dead at 12:20 p.m. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) was immediately notified and responded to the unit. ASP will be conducting an investigation into the death. The Division of Correction will be conducting an internal investigation into the death.
Inmate Singleton was a 28-year-old black male serving a 20-year sentence out of Columbia County for theft of property, terroristic threatening and absconding.
November 13, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORTH LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Corrections is mourning the loss today of East Arkansas Regional Unit Field Sgt. Travis C. Wallace. Sgt. Wallace, who was a 5-year veteran of the Division of Correction (ADC), was killed Thursday evening while on duty serving as an officer with the Helena – West Helena Police Department.
Sgt. 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. Sgt. Wallace and other local police officers had been looking for Howard, who was wanted on charges stemming from a shooting incident in Helena – West Helena about a week ago.
Howard was captured at 6 a.m. in Shaw, Mississippi, according to Arkansas State Police, which will be the lead law enforcement agency investigating the incident.
Arkansas Corrections Secretary Solomon Graves and Division of Correction Director Dexter Payne expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Wallace family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wallace family and the Helena – West Helena Police Department,” Secretary Graves said. “Officer Wallace is one of our own. This loss is immeasurable and indescribable. In times like these, the strength of our family, and our individual faith, will see us through.”
November 3, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORTH LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Corrections, Division of Community Correction Sex Offender Services, coordinated a massive, statewide Halloween home visit effort on Saturday. More than 50 officers made unannounced visits to the homes of 640 sex offenders to make sure they were in compliance with state laws prohibiting their activities. Halloween lock-ins for sex offenders, organized by the Division in previous years, were not possible because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
State laws limiting sex offenders from participating in Halloween activities are in affect two weeks before and two weeks after Halloween. Level 3 and 4 sex offenders who violate Act 463 restrictions may be charged with a Class D felony, serving up to six years in jail and a fine up to $10,000.
Act 463 bans these offenders from handing out candy to minors, participating in trick-or-treating and attending events involving wearing costumes or handing out candy to children. Sex offenders identified as high risk must remain at home on Halloween and are required to post signs warning that children are not to trick-or-treat at their residences.
Jennifer Dean, Division Sex Offender Services Manager, reported a 92 percent overall compliance rate from the Saturday home visits. Fifty-nine 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. Efforts are ongoing to bring non-compliant offenders into compliance and, in some cases, to sanction them for violations.
November 2, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Visitation to Arkansas Department of Corrections prisons and community correction centers will remain suspended, through November 13, 2020, pending approval of a plan that will be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health.
We understand how important visitation is for inmates and residents to maintain a bond with their families while incarcerated. The safe resumption of in-person visitation is a priority for the Board of Corrections, Secretary Solomon Graves, and both Division Directors. 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. While visitation is suspended, we encourage friends and family to remain in contact through phone calls and video visits. To help with that, we have worked with our communications partners to provide lower rates for phone calls and video visitation.
Visitation status updates will be posted on the Department’s website at http://doc.arkansas.gov .
October 23, 2020
MEETING NOTICE
The Arkansas Board of Corrections will meet on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 10 a.m. in the Arkansas State Police Training Room at the Wrightsville Unit. The address is 8400 Hwy 386 East, Wrightsville.
October 23, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DIVISION OF CORRECTION INMATE PRONOUNCED DEAD AT LOCAL HOSPITAL
PINE BLUFF – On Friday, October 23, 2020, a Division of Correction inmate was pronounced deceased at White River Health System Grasse Memorial Clinic in Calico Rock. The North Central Unit inmate was undergoing treatment for COVID-related symptoms. The inmate was in his early 60s and serving a 40-year sentence for first-degree murder.
October 20, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DIVISION OF CORRECTION INMATE PRONOUNCED DEAD AT LOCAL HOSPITAL
PINE BLUFF – On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, a Division of Correction inmate was pronounced deceased at Baptist Health – Hot Spring County in Malvern. The Ouachita River Correctional Unit inmate was undergoing treatment for COVID-related symptoms. The inmate was in his mid-60s and serving a 20-year sentence for rape.
October 19, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DIVISION OF CORRECTION INMATE PRONOUNCED DEAD AT TEXAS HOSPITAL
PINE BLUFF – On Sunday, October 18, 2020, an Arkansas Division of Correction inmate was pronounced deceased at Wadley Regional Medical Center in Texarkana, Texas. The Bowie County (Texas) Correctional Center inmate was undergoing treatment for COVID-related symptoms. The inmate was in his mid-60s and serving a 210-year sentence for rape.
October 5, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DIVISION OF CORRECTION INMATE PRONOUNCED DEAD AT LOCAL HOSPITAL
PINE BLUFF – On Saturday, October 4, 2020, a Division of Correction inmate was pronounced deceased at Baptist Health – North Little Rock. The Varner Unit inmate was undergoing treatment for COVID-related symptoms. The inmate was in his early 60s and serving a life sentence for rape.
