North Central Unit is a correctional facility located in Calico Rock, Arkansas, operated by the Arkansas Department of Corrections. The medium to minimum-security prison has the capacity to house up to 800 inmates and provides various programs to help inmates succeed legally in life.
The facility is known for providing fair, firm, consistent, and superior correctional services for Arkansas. Inmates who do maintenance on the grounds of various places in and around the region also benefit from the programs offered by North Central Unit. The facility is dedicated to ensuring that inmates are treated with respect and dignity while they serve their sentences.
North Central Unit is a crucial part of the Arkansas Department of Corrections’ mission to provide safe, secure, and humane correctional services to inmates in the state. With its focus on rehabilitation and providing opportunities for inmates to improve their lives, the facility plays an essential role in preparing inmates for their eventual reentry into society.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 800 |
| Physical Address | 10 Prison Circle, Calico Rock, AR 72519 |
| Mailing Address | 10 Prison Circle, Calico Rock, AR 72519 |
| Can you send gifts | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 870-297-4311 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview of North Central Unit
North Central Unit is a medium-to-minimum security correctional facility located in Calico Rock, Arkansas. The facility houses male inmates and provides a variety of programs and services to support their rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.
Location
North Central Unit is located in the Ozark Mountains, in the northern part of Arkansas. The facility is situated on a 1,200-acre site, which includes farmland and forested areas. The surrounding area is rural, with a mix of small towns and natural areas.
Capacity
As of 2023, North Central Unit has the capacity to house up to 800 inmates. The facility is divided into multiple housing units, each with its own security level and programs. The total number of inmates at the facility can vary depending on factors such as staffing levels and changes in sentencing laws.
Staffing
North Central Unit is staffed by a team of correctional officers, administrative personnel, and support staff. The total number of staff at the facility can vary depending on factors such as the number of inmates and the operational needs of the facility. As of 2023, the total staff at North Central Unit is approximately 200.
The facility provides a variety of programs and services to support the rehabilitation of inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The goal of these programs is to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to successfully reintegrate into society and reduce their risk of reoffending.
Overall, North Central Unit is an important correctional facility in the state of Arkansas, providing a secure and supportive environment for male inmates who are working towards a successful reentry into society.
Inmate Programs and Services
The North Central Unit offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and lead productive lives after incarceration. These programs and services fall under three main categories: Educational Programs, Vocational Programs, and Counseling and Support Programs.
Educational Programs
The North Central Unit provides a number of educational programs for inmates, including a GED program, a Story Book Project, and a Think Legacy Program. The GED program provides inmates with the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma, while the Story Book Project allows inmates to record themselves reading a children’s book to send to their children. The Think Legacy Program is a character development program that focuses on teaching inmates about faith-based principles and applications for life.
Vocational Programs
The North Central Unit also offers a range of vocational programs to help inmates develop skills that will be useful upon their release. These programs include Vo-Tech, which provides training in a variety of trades, and a Pre-Release Program, which helps inmates prepare for employment after their release.
Counseling and Support Programs
The North Central Unit recognizes that many inmates struggle with substance abuse, anger management, and other issues that can make it difficult to successfully reintegrate into society. To that end, the facility offers a number of counseling and support programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous and Substance Abuse Education. Additionally, the facility provides mental health services and has a Mental Health Residential Program for inmates who require more intensive treatment.
Overall, the North Central Unit’s inmate programs and services are designed to help inmates develop the skills and attitudes they need to successfully reintegrate into society after their release. By providing educational and vocational opportunities, as well as counseling and support services, the facility helps inmates prepare for a successful future outside of prison.
Visitation and Communication
North Central Unit allows inmates to receive visitors and communicate with their loved ones through mail, phone, and email. Visitors must follow specific visiting hours and rules to ensure the safety and security of the facility.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at North Central Unit are on Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Visitors must contact the inmate prior to visiting because this institution is on a rotating schedule. The inmate is not allowed visitation every Saturday and Sunday, only the ones they are assigned. Visitors are advised to arrive early to allow sufficient time for check-in and processing.
Visitation Rules
Visitors must follow strict rules when visiting North Central Unit. These rules include:
- Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list.
- Visitors must present a valid photo ID.
- Visitors must dress appropriately and modestly.
- Visitors must not bring any weapons, drugs, or contraband into the facility.
- Visitors must not use cell phones or other electronic devices during the visit.
- Visitors must not engage in any inappropriate behavior or language.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at North Central Unit can receive mail from their loved ones. To send mail to an inmate, use the following address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
North Central Unit
10 Prison Circle
Calico Rock, AR 72519All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, books, or magazines unless they are sent directly from a publisher or bookstore.
Sending Money
Family and friends can send money to inmates at North Central Unit through JPay. To send money, visit the JPay website or call 1-800-574-5729. Inmates can use the money to purchase items from the commissary or phone time.
Phone and Email Communication
Inmates at North Central Unit can communicate with their loved ones through phone and email. Inmates are allowed to make phone calls during designated hours. To receive calls from an inmate, set up an account with GTL by visiting their website or calling 1-877-650-4249.
Inmates can also send and receive emails through the JPay system. To send an email to an inmate, visit the JPay website and create an account. Emails are subject to monitoring and inspection for security purposes.
Overall, North Central Unit provides various options for inmates to communicate with their loved ones while maintaining a safe and secure environment. Visitors and loved ones are advised to follow all rules and regulations to ensure a successful visitation experience.
Special Programs
The North Central Unit offers several special programs that aim to help inmates develop new skills and improve their behavior. These programs are designed to provide inmates with opportunities to learn new trades, develop social skills, and build positive relationships with others.
Paws in Prison Program
The Paws in Prison Program is a unique program that allows inmates to work with dogs in the prison. This program is designed to help inmates develop empathy, patience, and responsibility. Inmates who participate in the program are responsible for training and caring for dogs, which they then help to place with families in the community. The program has been successful in helping inmates develop new skills, build positive relationships with others, and improve their behavior.
Canine Unit
The North Central Unit also has a Canine Unit, which is responsible for training and caring for dogs that are used in law enforcement. Inmates who participate in the Canine Unit program are responsible for training and caring for the dogs, which are then used by law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The program has been successful in helping inmates develop new skills, build positive relationships with others, and improve their behavior.
The Canine Unit program is designed to provide inmates with opportunities to learn new trades, develop social skills, and build positive relationships with others. Inmates who participate in the program are responsible for training and caring for dogs, which they then help to place with law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
Overall, the special programs offered at the North Central Unit have been successful in helping inmates develop new skills, build positive relationships with others, and improve their behavior. These programs are designed to provide inmates with opportunities to learn new trades, develop social skills, and build positive relationships with others.