The Varner Unit is a high-security state prison located in Lincoln County, Arkansas. It consists of a 468-bed supermax (Super Maximum Security) facility and a non-supermax facility. The prison can house over 1,600 prisoners, including some of the most dangerous and notorious inmates in the state. The unit was established in 1987 and is accredited by the ACA (American Correctional Association).
The Varner Unit is the only Super Max Facility in the state of Arkansas. Inmates at this correctional institution are under Super Max custody, and the prison is known for its strict security measures. The facility is surrounded by a double fence with razor wire, and there are armed guards on patrol 24/7. The prison is also equipped with a state-of-the-art surveillance system to monitor inmate activities.
The Varner Unit has a capacity of almost 1700 offenders, some of which are death row inmates. The prison offers various programs to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for their release, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services. However, due to the high-security nature of the facility, inmates are subject to strict rules and limitations on their daily activities.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1714 |
| Physical Address | State Hwy 388, Gould, AR 71643 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 600, Grady, AR 71644-0600 |
| 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 | 870-575-1800 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of the Varner Unit
The Varner Unit is a high-security state prison for men in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. The facility was constructed in response to the state’s fast-growing inmate population. When it opened in 1987, it could accommodate 300 prisoners. Its capacity was increased to 700 and then later to around 1,700. The Varner Unit is located in Lincoln County, Arkansas, near the city of Gould.
The Varner Unit was named after Walter Leroy Varner, who was the governor of Arkansas from 1967 to 1971. The facility is comprised of two separate units, the Varner Unit, and Varner Supermax Unit. The supermax units opened in 2000, and federal grants paid 90% of the construction costs.
The Varner Unit has a long and complex history. In 1993, a riot broke out in the Varner Unit, resulting in the death of one inmate and injuries to several others. In 1995, a convicted murderer named Billy Ray Irick escaped from the Varner Unit and was captured two days later. In 1998, a convicted murderer named Kenneth Williams escaped from the Varner Unit and went on a killing spree that resulted in the deaths of four people.
In 2017, the Varner Unit was the site of a high-profile execution. Ledell Lee, who was convicted of the murder of Debra Reese in 1993, was executed by lethal injection on April 20, 2017. It was the first execution in Arkansas in over a decade.
Over the years, the Varner Unit has faced criticism for its treatment of inmates and the conditions in which they are housed. In 2013, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the Arkansas Department of Corrections, alleging that the Varner Unit was overcrowded and that inmates were being denied adequate medical care. The lawsuit was settled in 2015, with the state agreeing to make improvements to the facility and to provide better medical care for inmates.
Facilities at the Varner Unit
The Varner Unit is a high-security state prison for adult male inmates of the Arkansas Department of Corrections located in Lincoln County. The prison has a capacity of over 1,600 prisoners, including a 468-bed supermax (Super Maximum Security) facility.
Security Level
The Varner Unit has a security level of maximum and supermax. The supermax units opened in 2000, and federal grants paid 90% of the construction costs. The unit is designed to house the most dangerous and notorious inmates in the state. Inmates at this correctional institution are under Super Max custody, and some are death row inmates.
Inmate Programs
The Varner Unit offers various programs to inmates, including Substance Abuse Treatment Programs, the Think Legacy Program, Mental Health Classes, the Principles and Applications for Life (PAL) Program, and VO-Tech. The Substance Abuse Treatment Programs are designed to help inmates overcome addiction and avoid relapse. The Think Legacy Program is a self-help program that teaches inmates how to change their thinking patterns and behaviors. The Mental Health Classes are designed to help inmates cope with mental health issues. The Principles and Applications for Life (PAL) Program is designed to help inmates develop life skills and prepare for re-entry into society. The VO-Tech program provides vocational training to inmates, including welding, carpentry, and automotive repair.
Visitation Guidelines
Visitation at the Varner Unit is allowed on Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must present a valid photo ID. Visitors are subject to search and must follow the dress code. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Inmates are allowed up to four visitors at a time, and visits are limited to two hours.
Overall, the Varner Unit provides a secure environment for housing high-risk inmates while also offering various programs to help them prepare for re-entry into society.
Inmate Life at the Varner Unit
Inmate Education
The Varner Unit offers educational programs to inmates, including a GED program. Inmates who have not completed high school can work towards obtaining their GED. The program provides courses in English, math, science, and social studies. Inmates can also participate in vocational training programs, which teach skills such as welding, auto mechanics, and carpentry.
Inmate Health
The Varner Unit provides medical and dental care to its inmates. Inmates can receive treatment for both physical and mental health issues. The prison also offers substance abuse treatment programs to inmates who struggle with addiction. Inmates can participate in classes that teach them how to manage their addiction and cope with triggers.
Inmate Communication
Inmates at the Varner Unit have limited communication with the outside world. They are allowed to make collect calls to approved phone numbers. Inmates can also receive mail at the prison’s designated mail address. The prison also offers electronic funds transfer services, allowing friends and family to deposit money into an inmate’s account.
Overall, life at the Varner Unit is highly structured and regimented. Inmates are expected to follow strict rules and schedules, and they have limited freedoms and privileges. However, the prison does offer educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for life after their release. The Varner Unit also provides medical and mental health care to its inmates, helping them maintain their physical and emotional well-being.
Visiting the Varner Unit
Visiting an inmate at the Varner Unit is possible for approved visitors during designated visiting hours. Visitors must adhere to strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the facility.
Visitation Hours
Visiting hours at the Varner Unit are on Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. However, the schedule is subject to change based on the housing unit and custody level, so visitors must contact the inmate to find out their approved visiting hours. It is recommended that visitors arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the visiting hours to allow time for the check-in process.
Visitation Rules
Visitors must follow strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the facility. The following are some of the rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to:
- Visitors must provide valid identification and be on the inmate’s approved visiting list.
- Visitors must dress appropriately and modestly. Clothing that is revealing or provocative is not allowed.
- Visitors must pass through a metal detector and submit to a search of their belongings.
- Visitors must not bring any weapons, drugs, or contraband into the facility.
- Visitors must not use any electronic devices during the visit.
- Visitors must not engage in any inappropriate behavior, including physical contact with the inmate.
Visitation Contact Info
For more information about visiting the Varner Unit, visitors can contact the facility directly at (870) 575-1800. Inmates can also provide visitors with the necessary information regarding visiting hours, rules, and regulations. Visitors can send mail to inmates at the following address:
Name, ADC #, Varner Unit, P.O. Box 600, Grady, AR 71644-0600
It is important to note that the visiting hours and rules and regulations are subject to change, so visitors should verify the information before visiting the facility.
Overall, visiting the Varner Unit requires strict adherence to the rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the facility. Visitors should plan accordingly and follow the guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful visit.