Delta Regional Unit is a correctional facility in Dermott, Arkansas that houses medium to maximum security inmates. Established in 1990, it has a capacity of approximately 600 inmates and is accredited by the American Correctional Association. The facility is staffed by around 170 employees who provide care and support to the inmates.
Delta Regional Unit offers a range of programs to help inmates reintegrate into society upon release. These programs include educational courses, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. Inmates also have access to healthcare services, including dental and mental health care. The facility has a visiting schedule for family and friends of the inmates, which is subject to change based on the facility’s operational needs.
The Delta Regional Unit is part of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, which oversees all correctional facilities in the state. The facility is located in Chicot County, approximately 50 miles southeast of Pine Bluff. As with all correctional facilities, the Delta Regional Unit plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety by providing a secure and controlled environment for inmates.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 599 |
| Physical Address | 880 E Gaines St, Dermott, AR 71638-9505 |
| Mailing Address | 880 East Gaines, Dermott, AR 71638-9505 |
| 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 | 870-538-2000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Overview
The Delta Regional Unit is a medium to maximum security prison located in Dermott, Arkansas. It is situated approximately 50 miles southeast of Pine Bluff in Chicot County. The prison is operated by the Arkansas Department of Corrections and has a maximum capacity of 599 prisoners.
Geography
Chicot County, where the Delta Regional Unit is located, is in the southeastern part of Arkansas. The county is bordered by Jefferson County to the north, Lincoln County to the east, and Ashley County to the south. The Mississippi River forms the western boundary of the county.
History
The Delta Regional Unit was established in 1990 and is accredited by the American Correctional Association. The prison provides a range of programs and services to inmates, including education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
The Delta Regional Unit is one of several correctional facilities operated by the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Other facilities include the East Arkansas Regional Unit in Lee County, the Grimes Unit in Jackson County, and the J. Aaron Hawkins Sr. Center in Pulaski County.
In recent years, the Delta Regional Unit has faced criticism for overcrowding and understaffing. In 2021, the prison was placed on lockdown following an outbreak of COVID-19 among inmates and staff.
Despite these challenges, the Delta Regional Unit remains an important part of the efforts by the Arkansas Department of Corrections to provide safe and secure correctional facilities for inmates across the state.
Facilities and Programs
Prison Facilities
Delta Regional Unit is a medium to maximum security prison located in Dermott, Arkansas. It has a maximum capacity of 599 prisoners and is overseen by the Arkansas Department of Corrections’ Division of Correction. The facility includes several buildings for housing inmates, as well as a visitation center, administrative offices, and a medical unit.
Educational Programs
Inmate programs at Delta Regional Unit include an impressive accredited education program staffed with a full-time principal and four full-time certified teachers. The Education Department was awarded accreditation for July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2015. DRU had the third-highest number of GED graduates in the State. The education program offers courses in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and vocational training, such as welding and culinary arts.
Substance Abuse Education Programs
Delta Regional Unit provides substance abuse education programs to help inmates overcome addiction and prevent relapse. The program is designed to help inmates identify and address the root causes of their addiction, develop coping skills, and build a support network. The program includes group counseling sessions, individual counseling, and educational classes on addiction and recovery.
Anger Management Programs
Delta Regional Unit offers anger management programs to help inmates learn how to manage their anger and avoid violent behavior. The program includes group counseling sessions, individual counseling, and educational classes on anger management techniques. Inmates learn how to identify triggers that lead to anger and develop coping skills to deal with these triggers in a non-violent way.
Health Services
Delta Regional Unit provides comprehensive health services to inmates, including medical, dental, and mental health care. The medical unit is staffed with full-time medical professionals and offers a range of services, including routine check-ups, emergency care, and chronic disease management. The mental health unit provides counseling and psychiatric services to inmates with mental health issues.
Overall, Delta Regional Unit provides a range of facilities and programs to help inmates prepare for successful reentry into society. These programs are designed to address the specific needs of inmates and help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed upon release.
Rules and Regulations
Lease and Contract
Inmates at Delta Regional Unit are required to sign a contract upon arrival, which outlines the rules and regulations of the facility. The contract includes information on the inmate’s rights and responsibilities, as well as consequences for violating the rules. Inmates are expected to follow all rules and regulations, including those related to contraband, visitation, and commitment and release dates.
Visiting Hours
Visiting at Delta Regional Unit is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Visitors should arrive early, as there is often a line of people waiting to visit. Upon arrival at the gate entrance, visitors must stop their cars and wait for a guard to check them in. Visitors should not drive past the gate and into parking as they will be turned away. All visitors must follow the dress code and are subject to search before entering the facility.
Inmate Mail
Inmates at Delta Regional Unit are allowed to receive mail from family and friends. Mail must be addressed to the inmate’s full name and include their inmate number. All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, but they may receive letters, cards, and photographs. Inmates may also purchase writing supplies and stamps from the commissary.
Contraband
Delta Regional Unit has strict policies regarding contraband. Inmates are not allowed to possess any items that are not issued by the facility or purchased through the commissary. This includes drugs, weapons, and any other item that could be used to harm others or facilitate an escape. Visitors are also prohibited from bringing contraband into the facility.
Commitment and Release Dates
Inmates at Delta Regional Unit are given a commitment date and a projected release date. The commitment date is the date the inmate is expected to arrive at the facility, and the release date is the date the inmate is expected to be released. Inmates may be released earlier than their projected release date if they meet certain criteria, such as completing the GED program or participating in other rehabilitative programs offered by the facility.