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 Maximum Security Unit.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Maximum Security 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 Maximum Security Unit.

Frequently asked questions about Maximum Security 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 Maximum Security Unit.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Maximum Security 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 Maximum Security 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 Maximum Security 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 Maximum Security 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 Maximum Security Unit?

   Mailing address:

   Maximum Security Unit
   2501 State Farm Rd
   England, AR 72046
   Phone: (501) 842-3800

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Maximum Security Unit?

   Visiting hours at Maximum Security 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 (501) 842-3800 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 Maximum Security 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 Maximum Security Unit for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Maximum Security Unit?

   You can send money to an inmate at Maximum Security 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 Maximum Security Unit?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Maximum Security 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 Maximum Security 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 Maximum Security 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 Maximum Security 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

The Larry B. Norris Unit (formerly Maximum Security Unit) in Tucker, Arkansas, operates several specialized rehabilitation programs designed to support inmate development and successful reintegration. The facility’s Faith-Based Principles and Applications for Life (PAL) Program provides spiritual guidance and life skills training, while the innovative Paws in Prison Program allows inmates to work with animals, developing responsibility and empathy. Additional core programs include the Think Legacy Program, which focuses on personal transformation and future planning, and the UNITY Program, which typically emphasizes community building and conflict resolution skills.

Educational and vocational opportunities form a significant component of the facility’s programming. Inmates may participate in academic courses ranging from basic literacy to GED preparation, along with vocational training that often includes agricultural work through the facility’s field crops and vegetable garden operations. The Substance Abuse Program addresses addiction issues through counseling and support groups, helping inmates develop coping strategies and recovery skills essential for successful reentry into the community.

Support services at the facility may include mental health counseling, medical care, and library access to promote continued learning and personal growth. Inmates typically have opportunities for family visitation and may participate in recreational activities that support physical fitness and social interaction. The facility’s comprehensive approach combines structured programming with practical work experience, creating an environment that encourages personal responsibility and positive behavioral change throughout an inmate’s incarceration period.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Larry B. Norris Unit, formerly known as the Maximum Security Unit, houses many individuals in Jefferson County, approximately 25 miles northeast of Pine Bluff. Located on State Farm Road in the rural community of Tucker, this ACA-accredited facility has operated since 1983, providing a structured environment where residents participate in various programs designed to support rehabilitation and personal growth. The facility’s agricultural operations include field crops and vegetable gardens, offering hands-on work experience that helps establish daily routines and practical skills.

Residents typically engage in a combination of educational programming, vocational training, and therapeutic services throughout their daily schedules. The facility offers several specialized programs including the Faith-Based Principles and Applications for Life (PAL) Program, substance abuse treatment, and the Think Legacy Program, which may focus on life skills and future planning. The innovative Paws in Prison Program allows select participants to work with animals, providing both therapeutic benefits and job training opportunities. The UNITY Program further supports community building and personal development within the facility environment.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at the facility, with established visitation procedures and communication options available to help maintain relationships with loved ones. The Arkansas Department of Correction has implemented electronic banking services for inmate trust accounts and pre-paid phone services, though paper money orders will no longer be accepted after May 31, 2025. Families can contact the facility directly at 501-842-3800 for specific information about visitation schedules, program participation, and other services available to their incarcerated family members.