Cummins Unit is a maximum-security prison located in the Arkansas Delta region, run by the Arkansas Department of Corrections. It is situated in unincorporated Lincoln County, Arkansas, about 28 miles south of Pine Bluff off Highway 65. The prison covers an area of 16,600 acres and houses both male and female inmates.
The facility is also the location of Arkansas’s execution chamber and is responsible for administering the death penalty. It is named after former Arkansas Department of Corrections director E. C. “Took” Cummins, who served from 1950 to 1970. The prison has a capacity of 1876 inmates and is known for its strict security measures, including perimeter fences, armed patrols, and watchtowers.
Despite being a maximum-security prison, Cummins Unit has faced criticism for its treatment of inmates and the conditions they are subjected to. In 2017, a riot broke out at the facility, resulting in two inmate deaths and injuries to several others. The incident led to calls for reforms in the state’s prison system.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1876 |
| Physical Address | 2540 State Hwy 388, Gould, AR 71644 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 500, Grady, AR 71644-0500 |
| 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 | 870-850-8899 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
The Cummins Unit is a maximum security prison located in Grady, Arkansas, operated by the Arkansas Department of Corrections. It was established in 1902 when the state of Arkansas purchased about 10,000 acres of land for $140,000 to build the prison. In December of that year, prisoners began occupying the site.
Early Years
The prison was initially established to provide a place for prisoners to work on a farm, but it has since expanded to include clothing and lumber manufacturing facilities. In the early years, the prisoners lived in barracks, which kept inmates not in individual cells but in military-style rows of bunks. The prison was primarily a place for white male prisoners with disciplinary problems.
Recent Developments
In recent years, the Cummins Unit has undergone several developments. In 2015, a new execution chamber was built at the prison to replace the old one, which had been in use since the 1990s. The new chamber is designed to be more humane and efficient.
In 2018, the Arkansas Department of Corrections announced that they were planning to build a new maximum-security prison to replace the Cummins Unit. The new prison would be designed to house up to 1,000 inmates and would include modern features such as air conditioning and heating.
Despite the developments, the Cummins Unit has been the site of several controversies over the years. In 2017, an inmate named Ledell Lee was executed at the prison after being convicted of murder. Lee’s lawyers argued that he was innocent and that the state had not provided sufficient evidence to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
In conclusion, the Cummins Unit has a long and complicated history. While it has undergone several developments in recent years, it remains a controversial institution that has been the subject of much debate and scrutiny.
Inmate Programs
The Cummins Unit offers a variety of programs for inmates to participate in during their incarceration. These programs are designed to help inmates develop new skills, educate themselves, and prepare for life after release. The programs offered at the Cummins Unit are divided into several categories, including educational, vocational, mental health, recreational, and faith-based programs.
Educational Programs
The Cummins Unit provides educational programs to help inmates improve their literacy skills and earn their GED. The GED program is designed to help inmates obtain their high school equivalency diplomas. The program is offered through a partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education and is available to all inmates who meet the eligibility requirements.
Vocational Programs
The Cummins Unit offers vocational programs to help inmates learn new skills and prepare for employment after their release. These programs include a robust agricultural program, a horse stable/operation that allows inmates to work with horses, and a canine unit that allows inmates to work with dogs. Inmates can also participate in vocational training programs in welding, carpentry, and other trades.
Mental Health Programs
The Cummins Unit provides mental health programs to help inmates cope with the stresses of incarceration and develop healthy coping mechanisms. These programs include individual and group counseling, as well as specialized programs for inmates who are dealing with addiction or other mental health issues.
Recreational Programs
The Cummins Unit offers a variety of recreational programs to help inmates stay active and engaged during their incarceration. These programs include sports teams, fitness classes, and arts and crafts programs.
Think Legacy Program
The Think Legacy program is a unique program offered at the Cummins Unit that is designed to help inmates develop a positive mindset and prepare for life after release. The program focuses on developing positive habits and attitudes and encourages inmates to take responsibility for their actions and make positive changes in their lives.
Faith-Based Principles and Applications for Life (PAL) Program
The Faith-Based Principles and Applications for Life (PAL) program is a faith-based program offered at the Cummins Unit that is designed to help inmates develop a deeper understanding of their faith and its role in their lives. The program focuses on teaching inmates how to apply their faith to their daily lives and make positive changes in their behavior.
GED Program
The GED program offered at the Cummins Unit is designed to help inmates earn their high school equivalency diploma. The program is available to all inmates who meet the eligibility requirements and is offered through a partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education.
In conclusion, the Cummins Unit offers a variety of programs to help inmates develop new skills, educate themselves, and prepare for life after release. These programs are designed to help inmates cope with the stresses of incarceration, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and make positive changes in their lives.
Visitation Hours
- Saturday – Sunday: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Custody Levels
Cummins Unit is a state prison in Arkansas that houses inmates of various custody levels. The facility has the capacity to hold approximately 1850 inmates. The custody levels at Cummins Unit include minimum, medium, and maximum security levels, as well as inmates who require mental health treatment.
Maximum Security
Cummins Unit has a maximum-security section that houses inmates who have committed serious crimes or pose a high risk to the public. Inmates in this section are subject to strict security measures, including constant supervision, restricted movement, and limited visitation times.
Restrictive Housing Barracks
The restrictive housing barracks at Cummins Unit are designed to house inmates who have violated prison rules or pose a threat to other inmates or staff. Inmates in this section are kept in their cells for most of the day and are subject to limited privileges.
Custody Level Inmates
Cummins Unit houses inmates of all custody levels, including minimum, medium, and maximum security levels. Inmates are classified based on their criminal history, behavior in prison, and other factors. Inmates in each custody level are housed separately to ensure their safety and security.
Male Death Row
Cummins Unit housed Arkansas’s male death row until 1986 when it was transferred to the Tucker Maximum Security Unit. However, the facility still houses inmates who are awaiting execution. Inmates on death row are subject to strict security measures and are housed separately from other inmates.
Female Death Row
Cummins Unit does not house female death row inmates. Female death row inmates in Arkansas are housed at the McPherson Unit.
Overall, Cummins Unit is a secure correctional facility that houses inmates of various custody levels. The facility has strict security measures in place to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and the public.