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 Ouachita River Unit.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Ouachita River 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 Ouachita River Unit.

Frequently asked questions about Ouachita River 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 Ouachita River Unit.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Ouachita River 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 Ouachita River 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 Ouachita River 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 Ouachita River 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 Ouachita River Unit?

   Mailing address:

   Ouachita River Unit
   100 Walco Ln
   Malvern, AR 72104
   Phone: (501) 467-3400

5. What are the visiting hours at Ouachita River Unit?

   Visiting hours at Ouachita River 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) 467-3400 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 Ouachita River 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 Ouachita River Unit for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Ouachita River Unit?

   You can send money to an inmate at Ouachita River 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 Ouachita River Unit?

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

Comprehensive rehabilitation through structured learning and therapeutic intervention forms the cornerstone of resident development initiatives, where evidence-based practices intersect with practical skill acquisition to foster meaningful personal transformation. The facility's multifaceted approach typically emphasizes both immediate behavioral modification and long-term reintegration preparation, creating pathways for residents to develop essential competencies while addressing underlying factors that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational and vocational initiatives often encompass structured learning opportunities designed to enhance employability upon release. Vocational education may deliver hands-on training in high-demand sectors, with forklift operation certification frequently serving as a foundational credential that opens doors to warehouse, manufacturing, and logistics employment. These skill-building initiatives typically combine classroom instruction with practical application, allowing residents to develop both technical proficiency and workplace readiness behaviors that prove invaluable during their transition back to community life.

In addition to these educational components, therapeutic and support services often include individualized counseling sessions that address personal challenges and behavioral patterns. Specialized treatment initiatives, such as sex offender treatment programs, may deliver evidence-based interventions designed to reduce recidivism risk while promoting accountability and behavioral change. Agriculture programs typically provide residents with opportunities to develop work ethic and responsibility through hands-on cultivation activities, while faith-based services often offer spiritual guidance and community support for those seeking meaning and direction during their incarceration period.

Daily Life & Visitation

The rhythm of structured schedules creates a foundation that residents at present rely upon to navigate their daily experiences, with each day actively following established patterns that typically begin before dawn and extend through evening hours. This carefully organized framework generally includes designated times for meals, work assignments, educational programming, and recreation, allowing residents to develop routines that may offer predictability in an otherwise challenging environment. The structured approach often delivers stability through consistent expectations and clear guidelines that help residents focus on rehabilitation and personal development goals.

In addition to this daily structure, living accommodations typically consist of shared housing units where residents generally maintain personal spaces within dormitory-style or cell-based arrangements. The facility usually provides basic furnishings and allows residents to keep approved personal items, while meals are typically served in communal dining areas at scheduled times throughout the day. Residents often have access to commissary services where they may purchase additional food items, hygiene products, and other approved necessities, though these privileges generally depend on good behavior and available funds from family support or work earnings.

Despite this controlled environment, the facility typically offers various programs and activities designed to deliver meaningful engagement and skill development opportunities. Recreation time usually includes access to outdoor exercise areas, indoor fitness equipment, and organized sports activities, while educational and vocational programs may provide pathways for personal growth. Family connections are generally maintained through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, with mail correspondence typically serving as another important communication method. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and other operational responsibilities that may provide residents with structure, purpose, and sometimes modest compensation while serving their sentences.