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DOC to Lift Modified In-Person Visitation Restrictions at Facilities Not Classified as High Risk

 

Posted by Manda Bass on May 26, 2022

arkansas department of corrections visitation update

On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, the Arkansas Board of Corrections approved lifting Modified In-Person Visitation restrictions at Department of Corrections facilities that are not classified as High Risk. In Low- and Medium-risk locations where space allows, inmates/residents will be permitted to meet with up to four visitors for up to 2 hours, once a month.

In-person visits to inmates/residents will continue to be made by pre-approved individuals only. Beginning June 1, appointment requests will be accepted online from your mobile device or computer at: https://telegov.egov.com/docrequest. All requests are pending review and approval by the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

All facilities are assessed weekly to determine risk level based on current community risk levels, status as an intake facility and the number of active cases.  Appointments approved when a facility has a low or medium risk level will be canceled if the facility’s risk level is deemed high on the day of the planned visit.

Effective June 1, visitation guidelines will be based on the unit’s COVID-19 risk level. All visitors will be subject to the following:

  • High Risk – All visitors must submit to mandatory temperature monitoring, rapid testing prior to entering, and masking; Two visitors per inmate/resident will be permitted for one hour. No contact will be permitted.
  • Medium Risk – High-risk, immunocompromised individuals are encouraged to wear masks. Sufficient space permitting, inmates/residents will be permitted to meet with up to four visitors for up to 2 hours, once a month.
  • Low Risk – No masking required. Sufficient space permitting, inmates/residents will be permitted to meet with up to four visitors for up to 2 hours, once a month.

In-person visitation was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited modified in-person visits for adult immediate family members resumed at some units in March 2021 and expanded in January 2022 to allow visits from those younger than 18 and individuals who are not immediate family members.

The safe resumption of in-person visitation has been a priority for the Department. 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. We continue to  encourage friends and family to also remain in contact through phone calls and video visits.

Click below to learn more about the Arkansas Department of Corrections facility risk levels.

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