Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 004 - DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Rule 004.00.88-002 - Inmate Correspondence
Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 2, February 2024
860 Inmate Correspondence
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 and correspondence is properly marked as such.
Mail from the above will be opened only in the presence of the inmate concerned to inspect for 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 clearly identified as "Privileged Correspondence". Media mail should be clearly marked "Media Mail".
Correspondence, other than privileged or 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 correspondence. There will be no limitation placed oh 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 regulations 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 isolation may send and receive mail that is classified as "Privileged Correspondence". An inmate on punitive status will have his mail withheld, but will receive written notice of the identity of the correspondent, the reason the mail is being withheld, and the name of the withholding officer. A review of action by the warden should be made available to an inmate whose mail has been withheld. Withholding of mail will be in accordance with AR 839.
Inter-unit correspondence is that mail between inmates of the Arkansas Department of Correction. Inter-unit correspondence will be restricted to members of the inmate's 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.
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 Director.
Items needed may be purchased through the commissary.
Board of Correction Approval Date: 1/26/88
Attorney General Review Date: 1/26/88
Date Filed Secy, of State:
Supersedes: AR 860
Dated: 8/12/85
