McPherson Unit is a prison facility in Newport, Arkansas, operated by the Arkansas Department of Corrections. It is a maximum-security prison for women and houses over 900 female inmates in various stages of incarceration from maximum to medium custody. Established in 1998, the prison is responsible for the intake and classification of female offenders in Arkansas and is also home to the state’s death row for women.
Located four miles northeast of Newport, off Highway 384 in Jackson County, McPherson Unit is one of the largest correctional facilities in the state. It is named after Orville McPherson, a former Arkansas Department of Correction director.
The prison is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for female inmates while also offering educational and vocational programs to help them prepare for their eventual release. The unit houses a campus of the Riverside Vocational Technical School, which offers courses in cosmetology, culinary arts, and other vocational skills.
Despite its focus on rehabilitation, McPherson Unit has faced criticism for its conditions and treatment of inmates. Over the years, there have been reports of overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and mistreatment of prisoners. However, the facility has also received praise for its educational and vocational programs, which have helped many inmates acquire skills and knowledge that they can use to rebuild their lives after their release.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 971 |
| Physical Address | 302 Corrections Drive, Newport, AR 72112 |
| Mailing Address | McPherson Unit 302 Corrections Drive, Newport, AR 72112 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 870-523-2639 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
McPherson Unit Overview
McPherson Unit is a prison for women located in Newport, Arkansas, under the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Department of Correction. The facility houses over 900 female inmates in various stages of incarceration, ranging from maximum to medium custody. The prison is also responsible for the intake and classification of female offenders in Arkansas.
Location
McPherson Unit is located in Jackson County, Arkansas, off Arkansas Highway 384, approximately 100 miles north of Little Rock. Visitors can find the prison by turning right on Exit 83, Highway 384, and traveling approximately 2.5 miles before turning left on 384S (302 Corrections Drive). The prison is situated on the right.
History
Established in 1998, the McPherson Unit houses the state’s death row for women. The prison was built with the capacity to hold a total of 971 inmates. The unit houses a campus of the Riverside Vocational Technical School, which offers vocational training programs to inmates.
Facilities
The McPherson Unit has a variety of facilities to meet the needs of its inmates. The prison has a medical clinic that provides healthcare services to inmates. The facility also has a chapel where religious services are held, a library, and a commissary where inmates can purchase items such as toiletries and snacks. The prison also has visiting rooms where inmates can receive visitors.
Security
The McPherson Unit is a maximum-security prison, with a high level of security measures in place to prevent escapes and maintain order. The prison has a perimeter fence, security cameras, and a staff of correctional officers who monitor the inmates and enforce the rules. The prison also has a training academy where correctional officers are trained before being assigned to work at the facility.
In summary, the McPherson Unit is a maximum-security prison for women located in Newport, Arkansas. The prison has a long history of providing correctional services to female offenders in Arkansas, and it offers a range of facilities and services to meet the needs of its inmates. Its high level of security measures ensures that the prison remains a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.
Programs and Services
McPherson Unit offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at helping incarcerated women to develop important skills and prepare for their eventual re-entry into society. These programs and services include education programs, parenting programs, agricultural vocational programs, life skills programs, substance abuse therapeutic community programs, sex offender female treatment programs, and recreational programming.
Education Programs
McPherson Unit offers a variety of educational programs to help incarcerated women earn their GED and develop computer skills. The GED program is designed to help women prepare for the GED test and earn a high school equivalency diploma. The computer program provides women with the skills they need to use computers for job searching and other tasks.
Parenting Programs
McPherson Unit offers parenting programs to help incarcerated women maintain relationships with their children and prepare for their eventual release. These programs include parenting classes, family visits, and a storybook project that allows women to record themselves reading books for their children.
Agricultural Vocational Programs
McPherson Unit offers agricultural vocational programs to help incarcerated women learn valuable skills in agriculture and vegetable processing. These programs include horticulture, vegetable processing, and residential program unit.
Life Skills Programs
McPherson Unit offers life skills programs to help women develop important skills that will help them succeed once they are released. These programs include mental health groups, MIWATCH, hobby crafts, quilts for babies, and dance 2B free.
Substance Abuse Therapeutic Community Program
McPherson Unit offers a substance abuse therapeutic community program to help women overcome substance abuse issues. This program includes Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, as well as individual and group counseling.
Sex Offender Female Treatment Program
McPherson Unit offers a sex offender female treatment program to help women who have committed sex offenses address their behavior and develop strategies for managing their impulses.
Recreational Programming
McPherson Unit offers a variety of recreational programming to help women stay active and engaged during their incarceration. These programs include a Think Legacy program, library services, a law library, and recreational activities such as sports and games.
Overall, McPherson Unit offers a range of programs and services designed to help incarcerated women develop important skills and prepare for their eventual re-entry into society. These programs and services are an important part of the facility’s efforts to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.
Visitation Policies
The McPherson Unit has specific visitation policies that visitors must follow to ensure safety and security within the facility. Visitors must understand the rules and regulations before visiting an inmate.
Visiting Hours and Privileges
Visiting hours at the McPherson Unit are Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Inmates are allowed up to two visitors per visit, and visits are on a rotating schedule. It’s important to contact the inmate to find out which weekend, day, and hour they are allowed visitation. Inmates who are currently undergoing intake or classification may be restricted from receiving visits.
Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must present a valid ID during check-in. Visitors who violate rules may be prosecuted and/or lose visiting privileges. The McPherson Unit reserves the right to deny visitation privileges to anyone for any reason.
Visitation Appointment Request Form
Immediate, adult family members may submit requests for visitation appointments. Visitors must complete a Visitation Appointment Request Form and send it to the McPherson Unit. The form can be found on the website of the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
Entrance Procedures
Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time to allow for check-in procedures. Visitors will be required to pass through a metal detector and an ion scanner. Any mobile devices, including cell phones, must be left in the vehicle or in a locker provided by the facility. Visitors are not allowed to bring any contraband into the facility.
Visitation Rules
Visitors must follow the dress code policy, which prohibits revealing clothing, shorts, skirts above the knee, and sleeveless shirts. Visitors must also pass a drug test and are subject to email and photo monitoring.
Inmates are allowed to receive photos and videos, but they must be approved by the facility. Visitors can send emails to inmates through Telegov.egov.com/docrequest. The State of Arkansas reserves the right to monitor all communication.