Arrendale State Prison: Life Behind Bars in Georgia

Arrendale State Prison is a correctional facility located in Alto, Georgia. This state prison serves a special mission and is responsible for housing female offenders. The prison is designed to provide a safe and secure culture and environment for the inmates while also offering various programs and services to help them rehabilitate and successfully reintegrate into society.

The prison was named after Lee Arrendale, a former commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. The facility has a capacity of approximately 1,476 inmates and employs around 350 staff members. In 2021, Allen Dills was promoted to Warden of Arrendale State Prison, taking over from his predecessor, Murray Tatum, who retired.

Arrendale State Prison is a significant correctional facility in Georgia, and its operations have a direct impact on the state’s criminal justice system. This article will provide an overview of the prison, its history, and its current operations, including the various programs and services offered to inmates.

SecurityMixed
Capacity1,476
Physical Address2023 Gainesville Hwy
Alto, GA 30510
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 709
Alto, GA 30510
Can You Send Gifts?No
Visitation HoursInmates with last names beginning with A-K: Saturdays 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Inmates with last names beginning with L-Z: Sundays 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number(706) 776-4700
JurisdictionState

Arrendale State Prison Overview

Location

Arrendale State Prison is a state prison located in Alto, Georgia, United States. The address of the prison is 2023 Gainesville Hwy, Alto, GA 30510.

Capacity

Arrendale State Prison is a special mission state prison and has a capacity of approximately 1,450 special mission female offenders. The prison is designed to provide specialized services and programs to meet the unique needs of female offenders.

Security Level

Arrendale State Prison is a mixed security level facility. The prison has a secure perimeter fence, multiple security cameras, and other security measures in place to ensure the safety of staff and inmates.

Overall, Arrendale State Prison is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a safe and secure environment for female offenders while also offering a range of services and programs to help them successfully re-enter society.

Inmate Information

Inmate Search

Arrendale State Prison allows the public to search for inmates online. To find an inmate, visitors can go to the Georgia Department of Corrections website and use the inmate search tool. The tool requires either the inmate’s ID number or last name to conduct a search. Once the search is complete, the results will display the inmate’s full name, ID number, and location.

Programs and Services

Arrendale State Prison offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates develop skills and prepare for successful reentry into society. These programs and services are designed to address the unique needs and challenges of female inmates.

Educational Programs

Arrendale State Prison provides educational programs to help inmates improve their literacy and earn their General Equivalency Diploma (GED). The prison offers Fast Track GED and Charter High School programs to help inmates earn their high school diplomas. Additionally, the prison provides adult basic education, special education, and vocational training programs.

Vocational Programs

Arrendale State Prison offers several vocational programs to help inmates develop marketable skills. These programs include cosmetology, culinary arts, small engine repair, auto mechanics, auto paint, woodworking, electrical wiring, warehousing, welding (metal fabrication), and office technology. Inmates can earn certifications in these trades, which can help them secure employment upon release.

Treatment Programs

Arrendale State Prison provides a range of treatment programs to help inmates address substance abuse and mental health issues. These programs include substance abuse treatment, moral reconation therapy, motivation for change, family violence, re-entry, parenting, relapse prevention, and behavior stabilization. The prison also offers mental health and mental retardation services.

Religious Activities

Arrendale State Prison provides opportunities for inmates to practice their faith through various worship services, Bible study, and religious counseling. The prison offers services for various religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

Overall, Arrendale State Prison offers a range of programs and services to help inmates develop skills, address issues, and prepare for successful reentry into society. These programs and services can help inmates make positive changes in their lives and improve their chances of success upon release.

Visitation Information

Visitation Schedule

Visitation at Lee Arrendale State Prison is:

  • Inmates with last names beginning with A-K: Saturdays 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
  • Inmates with last names beginning with L-Z: Sundays 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
  • Visitation will be open to all visitors from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on state holidays.

Visitors are advised to check the official website or contact the facility directly to confirm the visitation schedule. Visitation days and hours are subject to change without prior notice.

Visitation Rules

Visitors are required to follow certain rules and regulations during their visit to Lee Arrendale State Prison. Failure to comply with the rules can result in the termination of the visit and possible suspension of future visits. Here are some important rules to keep in mind:

  • Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list.
  • Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID at the time of the visit.
  • Visitors must arrive at the facility at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit.
  • Visitors must pass through a metal detector and submit to a search of their person and belongings.
  • Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items, including cell phones, into the visitation area.
  • Visitors are not allowed to bring any food or drinks into the visitation area.
  • Visitors are not allowed to give any items to the inmate during the visit.
  • Visitors are not allowed to touch the inmate or engage in any physical contact.
  • Visitors are not allowed to take any photos or videos during the visit.

State holidays may affect the visitation schedule, so visitors are advised to check the official website or contact the facility directly to confirm visitation hours during holidays. It is also important to confirm visitation hours, as they can vary depending on the inmate’s housing unit and custody level.

In conclusion, visitors should carefully review the visitation rules and regulations before visiting Lee Arrendale State Prison. Visitors should also confirm the visitation schedule and hours to avoid any inconvenience or disappointment.

Correctional Policies and Procedures

Lee Arrendale State Prison has well-written policies and procedures that serve as the core of its correctional operations. The policies and procedures inform and govern staff behavior, set clear expectations, and confirm that the administration has performed its role. They are also the basis for staff supervision, training, and supporting a defense when things go wrong.

Mail Policy

The mail policy at Lee Arrendale State Prison is designed to ensure the safety and security of inmates, staff, and the public. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection, except for legal mail, which is opened and inspected in the presence of the inmate. Inmates are allowed to send and receive letters, postcards, and photographs, subject to certain restrictions. The mail must not contain any contraband, including drugs, weapons, or anything that could be used to escape.

Commissary

The commissary at Lee Arrendale State Prison provides inmates with the opportunity to purchase a variety of items, including food, personal hygiene products, and clothing. Inmates are allowed to spend up to $150 per week at the commissary, subject to certain restrictions. The items available for purchase are carefully selected to ensure that they do not pose a security risk or create a disturbance.

Overall, the correctional policies and procedures at Lee Arrendale State Prison are designed to maintain a safe and secure environment for inmates, staff, and the public. The policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they remain effective and in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Transition and Reentry Services

Arrendale State Prison provides a range of transition and reentry services to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society after their release. These services include therapeutic counseling, social and employment skills training, and work release programs.

The Arrendale Transitional Center, located on the prison grounds, is a key component of the transition and reentry program. The center provides housing for inmates who are nearing the end of their sentences and need assistance with the transition back into society. The center offers a range of programs and services designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed on the outside, including job training, educational programs, and counseling.

In addition to the Arrendale Transitional Center, the prison also offers work release programs that allow inmates to work in the community while still serving their sentences. These programs provide inmates with valuable job skills and work experience that can help them find employment after their release.

The prison also partners with community organizations to provide additional support and resources to inmates as they transition back into society. These organizations offer services such as housing assistance, job placement, and substance abuse treatment.

Overall, Arrendale State Prison’s transition and reentry services are designed to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. By providing inmates with the skills and resources they need to succeed, the prison is helping to create safer communities for everyone.

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