Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 004 - DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Rule 004.00.20-027 - AR 860 Inmate Correspondence
Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 2, February 2024
I. POLICY:
To establish guidelines for correspondence between inmates and certain persons and organizations for the purpose of retaining community ties, stimulating intellectual pursuits, assisting in attainment of vocational or educational goals, resolving grievances and problems, and facilitating the flow of information in areas of legal concern.
II. EXPLANATION:
Correspondence, at a wholesome and constructive level, with family members, close friends, associates and organizations is essential to the morale of all confined persons. It may form a positive basis for both present and future adjustment in the unit/center and in the community.
Incoming and outgoing correspondence with the persons or organizations specified below shall be considered privileged correspondence as long as the designated individuals are acting in their official capacities.
Mail from the above will be opened only in the presence of the inmate concerned for inspect of contraband. Mail opened and inspected under these circumstances will not be read or censored, but may be rejected in its entirety if it is found to contain contraband.
There will be no records kept of incoming or outgoing privileged correspondence. Outgoing privileged correspondence shall have the words "Privileged Correspondence" or "Legal Mail" marked on the envelope or it will be considered general correspondence. All incoming mail should be in official letterhead envelopes and should be clearly identified as "Privileged Correspondence". Media mail should be clearly marked "Media Mail".
Correspondence, other than privileged or Interstate/inter-unit correspondence, shall be considered general correspondence. Inmates do not need to submit a list of the people with whom they wish to correspond, nor will any approval be needed from the administration prior to corresponding. There will be no limitation placed on the number of letters mailed or received. All general correspondence, both incoming and outgoing, may be opened, inspected, read and records may be kept of all incoming and outgoing general correspondence to see that the family contact is maintained. Such contact is essential for rehabilitation and arrangements may be made, in the absence of family contact, for correspondence with a volunteer.
The full name under which the inmate was committed and the ADC number of the inmate shall be shown in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope on the outgoing mail. Any violation of the rules and rules which also constitutes a violation of Federal Postal Laws shall be reported to the Federal Postal authorities or appropriate personnel responsible for the processing and inspection of such mail. Inmates in punitive segregation will be allowed to send and receive letters on the same basis as inmates in the general population. This will include both general and privileged correspondence.
Interstate and Inter-unit correspondence is that mail between all individuals who are incarcerated either within the Arkansas Department of Correction or another facility. Interstate, and Inter-Unit correspondence of two (2) incarcerated individuals will be restricted to members of the immediate family. It will be subjected to the usual rules under general correspondence. Inter-unit correspondence must have the approval of both the sending and receiving unit/center Warden/Center Supervisor. In the case of Interstate correspondence where the out of state facility does not take a position, only the Arkansas Warden/Center Supervisor must approve. For the purposes of this provision "immediate family" is defined as the inmate's father, mother, sister, brother, spouse, children, grandparents, grandchildren, stepfamily members, half-siblings, verified foster child, son-in law, daughter-in-law, niece or nephew.
Inmates who are authorized hobby craft cards may order and receive items previously approved by the Warden/Center Supervisor or his/her designee. No other packages will be allowed except with the approval of the Warden/Center Supervisor and the appropriate Assistant/Deputy Director.
Items needed may be purchased through the commissary.
Board Approval Date: 08/12/10
Effective Date: 08/22/10
