Scheduling visitation, ID requirements, and what to expect on arrival
Visitation rules look very different from one Arkansas facility to the next, including whether visits are in-person or video. One county jail states visits are video only, with monitors located in the front lobby of the sheriff's office/jail. Weekday visitation hours are by appointment with 24-hour advance notice required. Another detention facility requires you to call a specific scheduling number each week, with appointments given first-come, first-served. Some counties direct visitors to use Smart Communications (SmartInmate) to create an account and schedule video visitation.
- Confirm your visit type and schedule. Some facilities run video visits only, and some require you to schedule by phone or through a vendor account.
- Bring photo ID. At the Wrightsville/Hawkins Complex, pedestrians (including visitors) must present photo ID to enter and must also present ID when leaving the facility perimeter.
- Expect security screening. Wrightsville/Hawkins also describes metal detectors and package scanning at entry.
- Know the time limits. One Arkansas jail states inmates are allowed one 20-minute visitation per week.
Warning: If a facility says only one specific phone number can schedule or cancel appointments, use that number. Other department lines may not be able to help.
Common Questions
Q
How do I set up an account to receive calls or schedule video visits?
Start by confirming which vendor your loved one’s facility uses, then create the account the facility requires. SmartInmate (Smart Communications) advertises that signup is quick and free, and at least one Arkansas facility instructs visitors to use Smart Communications to set up an account to schedule video visitation. For some jails, calls may require a separate vendor account as well.
Q
What ID and security checks should I expect when visiting a state prison unit in Arkansas?
At the Wrightsville/Hawkins Complex, visitors entering on foot must present a photo ID at the control station before being admitted, and they must present ID again when leaving the perimeter. That facility also describes metal detectors and package scanning at entry. ADC also states its facilities are ACA-accredited, but day-to-day entry procedures are best confirmed with the specific unit you’re visiting.
Q
How often can an inmate have visits and how long are they?
It depends on the facility, but limits can be strict. One Arkansas jail states inmates are allowed one 20-minute visitation per week. Another Arkansas detention center states appointments are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, so scheduling early can matter.
Find an Inmate
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
