The Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC) will lift essential movement plan restrictions at all facilities beginning Monday, February 14th, 2022. Also, Modified In-Person Visitation will resume on March 1st, 2022.
The Department has been operating under an essential movement plan at all facilities since December 31. 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.
According to a statement from the DOC, their Leadership Team will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate the need to implement restrictions. They say the Department continues to work aggressively to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
When the Department resumes visitation at all Division of Correction units and Division of Community Correction centers on March 1st, Modified In-person Visitation (see below) protocols will be in place, allowing visits from those younger than 18 and individuals who are not immediate family members. Only two visitors will be permitted at a time.
In-person visits to inmates/residents will continue to be made by pre-approved individuals only. Those wishing to visit should carefully review Visitation Rules (see below).
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After reviewing the new visitation rules, you must visit the website: https://telegov.egov.com/docrequest to complete a visitation appointment request form. Appointment requests can be made online from your mobile device or computer. All requests are pending review and approval by the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
Additionally, the Arkansas Parole Board will resume allowing supporters to join inmates, in-person, at their parole hearing. Supporters must be at least 14 years old and on the inmate’s approved visitation list. Supporters must be selected and identified by the inmate prior to hearing and meet facility entrance requirements.
“The safe resumption of in-person visitation remains a priority for the Department,” says the statement. “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 remains modified, we encourage friends and family to remain in contact through phone calls and video visits.”