How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at East Arkansas Regional Unit.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at East Arkansas Regional Unit is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of East Arkansas Regional Unit.

Frequently asked questions about East Arkansas Regional Unit

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by East Arkansas Regional Unit.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to East Arkansas Regional Unit?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at East Arkansas Regional Unit?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at East Arkansas Regional Unit. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at East Arkansas Regional Unit. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of East Arkansas Regional Unit?

   Mailing address:

   East Arkansas Regional Unit
   326 Lee Road 603
   Brickeys, AR 72320
   Phone: (870) 295-4700

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
   • Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at East Arkansas Regional Unit?

   Visiting hours at East Arkansas Regional Unit vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (870) 295-4700 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to East Arkansas Regional Unit?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with East Arkansas Regional Unit for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at East Arkansas Regional Unit?

   You can send money to an inmate at East Arkansas Regional Unit through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at East Arkansas Regional Unit?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At East Arkansas Regional Unit, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at East Arkansas Regional Unit?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact East Arkansas Regional Unit for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at East Arkansas Regional Unit, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Personal growth and skill development take center stage through carefully structured offerings designed to prepare those incarcerated for successful community reintegration. The facility's approach emphasizes building practical capabilities while maintaining a secure environment that prioritizes safety and structured learning opportunities. These comprehensive offerings typically focus on developing both technical skills and personal resilience, creating pathways for meaningful transformation during incarceration.

Vocational education forms a cornerstone of the educational framework, often including hands-on training in trades that align with regional employment opportunities. Those incarcerated may participate in structured learning environments where they can develop marketable skills while adhering to strict security protocols. The educational offerings typically emphasize practical application and real-world readiness, ensuring participants gain competencies that translate directly to post-release employment possibilities.

Agriculture programs provide additional avenues for skill development, often incorporating both traditional farming techniques and modern agricultural practices within the facility's secure perimeter. Also available are faith-based services that may furnish spiritual guidance and community connection for interested participants. Life coaching and transitional planning offerings typically round out the support structure, focusing on developing decision-making skills and creating concrete reentry strategies that address housing, employment, and community integration challenges.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building connections with family and maintaining social bonds remains a central focus for those incarcerated at East Arkansas Regional Unit. The facility recognizes that preserving these relationships is essential for successful reintegration into the community. Daily routines now revolve around structured schedules that typically begin with early morning counts, followed by meal service and work assignments. Those incarcerated regularly participate in various activities that furnish both personal development and opportunities for social interaction with fellow residents.

Living accommodations generally consist of dormitory-style housing units where residents share common areas and sleeping quarters. This arrangement naturally fosters community interaction throughout the day. Meals are typically served in a central dining hall where those incarcerated gather for breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to established schedules. Also, recreational opportunities may include outdoor exercise periods, television viewing in common areas, and organized activities that encourage positive social engagement among residents.

However, maintaining connections with the outside world remains equally important through the facility's visitation and communication programs. Those incarcerated can typically receive visits from approved family members and friends during designated hours and days. Phone privileges are usually available, allowing regular contact with loved ones, while mail correspondence provides another vital link to family and community support systems. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and other operational roles that provide structure and purpose to daily life while developing job skills for eventual reentry.