The Barbara Ester Unit is a correctional facility located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. It is the first prison in the Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC) dedicated to the re-entry of prisoners into society. With a capacity of 580 prisoners, the Barbara Ester Unit provides various programs and services to help inmates reintegrate into society successfully.
The facility is named after Barbara A. Ester, a former ADC employee who was murdered in 2012 by a parolee who had absconded from supervision. The tragedy led to the creation of the Barbara Ester Unit, which aims to reduce recidivism rates by providing inmates with education, vocational training, and counseling services.
The facility also offers substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and faith-based programs to help inmates address underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration.
| Security | Minimum |
| Capacity | 580 |
| Physical Address | 8001 W 7th Ave, Pine Bluff, AR 71603, USA |
| Mailing Address | 7500 Corrections Circle, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday – Sunday: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 870-267-6240 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Barbara Ester Unit History
The Barbara Ester Unit is a correctional facility of the Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC) located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. It is dedicated to the re-entry of prisoners into society and has a capacity of 580 inmates. The unit was named after Corporal Barbara Ester, a 12-year veteran of the ADC who was killed by an inmate on January 20, 2012, at the East Arkansas Regional Unit.
Early Beginnings
The Barbara Ester Unit was opened in 2015, and it is the first prison in the ADC dedicated to the re-entry of prisoners into society. The construction of the facility cost $25 million and was funded by a bond issue approved by the Arkansas Legislature in 2013. The unit was designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates to learn new skills and prepare for their release back into society.
Expansion and Growth
Since its opening, the Barbara Ester Unit has continued to expand and grow to meet the needs of its inmates. In 2017, the ADC announced plans to expand the unit by adding a new housing unit and a vocational training center. The expansion project was completed in 2019 and added 160 new beds to the facility.
The Barbara Ester Unit has also established partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide vocational training and job opportunities for its inmates. In 2018, the unit partnered with Tyson Foods to provide a training program for inmates interested in working in the poultry industry. The program has been successful in helping inmates learn new skills and find employment after their release.
Overall, the Barbara Ester Unit has been successful in its mission to provide inmates with the skills and resources they need to successfully re-enter society. Its innovative programs and partnerships have helped to reduce recidivism rates and improve public safety in Jefferson County, Pulaski County, and Little Rock.
Inmate Programs and Services
The Barbara Ester Unit offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates improve their chances of success upon release. These programs include GED preparation, substance abuse treatment, vocational training, and more.
GED Program
The GED program is designed to help inmates earn their high school equivalency diploma. Inmates who complete the program are better equipped to find employment and pursue higher education opportunities upon release.
Substance Abuse Treatment
The Barbara Ester Unit offers a substance abuse treatment program for inmates struggling with addiction. The program includes individual and group counseling, as well as education on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
Vo-Tech Computer Program
The Vo-Tech Computer Program provides inmates with training in computer skills, including basic computer literacy, software applications, and programming. This program helps inmates develop marketable skills that can lead to employment opportunities upon release.
Advanced Principles and Applications for Life (APAL) Program
The APAL program is a cognitive-behavioral program designed to help inmates develop the life skills necessary for success upon release. The program focuses on topics such as decision-making, problem-solving, and goal-setting.
Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy (WAGE) Program
The WAGE program provides inmates with vocational training in a variety of industries, including construction, welding, and culinary arts. The program also includes job placement assistance upon release.
Veterans Program
The Veterans Program is designed to provide specialized services to incarcerated veterans. These services include counseling, support groups, and assistance with accessing VA benefits.
Overall, these programs and services are designed to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success upon release. By providing inmates with education, vocational training, and support, the Barbara Ester Unit is helping to reduce recidivism rates and improve outcomes for incarcerated individuals.
Visitation and Schedule
The Barbara Ester Unit allows inmates to have visitation privileges in accordance with a specific schedule and set of rules. Visitors must adhere to these guidelines to ensure the safety and security of the facility.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at the Barbara Ester Unit are 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays for routine visits. There is no visitation on holidays unless the holiday falls on a regular visitation day. Visitors should arrive early to allow for processing and security checks.
Preparing for Visitation
Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list and have a valid photo ID to enter the facility. It is recommended to confirm with the inmate beforehand to ensure that they are still eligible for visitation and that there have been no changes to the schedule. Visitors should also dress appropriately and avoid wearing revealing or provocative clothing.
Visitation Rules and Regulations
All visitors must follow the rules and regulations set forth by the Barbara Ester Unit. These include:
- Visitors must sign in and out of the facility and provide a valid photo ID.
- Visitors are subject to search and must pass through a metal detector.
- Visitors are not permitted to bring any items into the facility, including cell phones, purses, and bags.
- Visitors must not engage in any physical contact with the inmate.
- Visitors must not discuss any illegal activities or bring any contraband into the facility.
It is important for visitors to be aware of these rules and regulations to avoid any issues during their visitation. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the termination of visitation privileges.
In conclusion, visitation at the Barbara Ester Unit is a privilege that must be taken seriously. Visitors should follow the rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the facility and its inmates.
Correctional Services
The Barbara Ester Unit is dedicated to providing fair, firm, consistent, and superior correctional services for Arkansas. The facility offers a wide range of services, including inmate education, vocational training, and counseling. The unit’s staff is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for both the inmates and the staff.
Cellular Phones and Calling Cards
The use of cellular phones and calling cards is strictly prohibited within the Barbara Ester Unit. The facility has implemented a number of measures to prevent inmates from accessing these devices, including the use of metal detectors and regular searches of inmate cells.
Contraband Control
The Barbara Ester Unit has a comprehensive contraband control program in place to prevent the introduction of prohibited items into the facility. The program includes regular searches of inmate cells, common areas, and staff areas. The unit’s staff is trained to recognize and report any suspicious activity or behavior.
Training for Prison Guards and Corporals
The Barbara Ester Unit places a strong emphasis on training its prison guards and corporals. The facility offers a comprehensive training program that covers a wide range of topics, including security procedures, inmate management, and crisis intervention. The program is designed to ensure that the unit’s staff is well-prepared to handle any situation that may arise.
In conclusion, the Barbara Ester Unit is committed to providing high-quality correctional services to its inmates. The facility places a strong emphasis on contraband control, staff training, and maintaining a safe and secure environment. The unit’s staff is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.