Your First Questions About Arkansas Prisons — How to Use the ADC Family & Friends Guide

The ADC Family & Friends booklet answers the basic questions that come up early: what ADC policies look like in practice, what to expect during your loved one's incarceration, and how to stay connected. It covers the essentials but not every situation. When the booklet falls short, ADC points families to two direct options: call the Constituent Services Office at (870) 267-6385, or email ADC.Public.Information@arkansas.gov. Those contacts are your next step for questions that go beyond the basics.

ADC's mission starts with public safety and carrying out court mandates. For families, this is a straightforward statement of the system's role: your loved one is in ADC custody because of a court sentence, and the agency operates within that framework. The mission also includes providing a safe, humane environment for staff and inmates. That sets expectations for daily operations. Safety rules exist to protect people, and routines feel strict because security has to be consistent. Beyond custody, the mission emphasizes building a stronger work ethic through good habits and opportunities for spiritual, mental, and physical growth. ADC frames incarceration as more than just "time served," with routines, skill-building, and constructive activities that support better outcomes after release. ADC's vision is to be an honorable, professional organization that provides cost-efficient correctional services and returns productive people to the community. Its core values are Honor, Integrity, Public Service, Accountability, and Transparency. When decisions, delays, or rules feel confusing, these statements are the standard ADC says it aims to meet.

All facilities operated by the Arkansas Division of Correction are fully accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA). Accreditation signals that ADC facilities are expected to meet established standards for safety, security, and basic operations. Accreditation won't answer every "why" question you have, but it tells you these facilities are measured against outside expectations, not just internal preferences.

Key Topics Toc

• ✓ Start with the Table of Contents to find the exact section that matches your question (the booklet is designed to help you know what to expect and how to stay connected and supportive).
• ✓ Locating an inmate when you are trying to confirm where someone is housed.
• ✓ Admission and orientation if your loved one is newly received into ADC.
• ✓ Visitation (including applying, scheduling, dress code, searches, and different visitation types) when you are planning your first visit.
• ✓ Inmate telephone use and urgent messages when you are trying to keep communication steady.
• ✓ Inmate banking, especially “Depositing Money into an Inmate’s Account” (page 19) when you need to add funds.

1. Write down the details of your question. Include your loved one’s full name and any identifying information you already have, plus the specific issue you are trying to solve.
2. Call ADC Constituent Services at (870) 267-6385. Use this when you need help with something not covered in the guide.
3. Email your question to ADC.Public.Information@arkansas.gov. This is a good option when you want to explain the situation in writing or attach relevant information.