Northwest Arkansas Work Release Center

The Northwest Arkansas Work Release Center is an Arkansas Department of Correction (ADOC) prison located in Springdale, Arkansas. This small facility has a capacity of just 100 inmates.

This work release center is considered the last stepping stone for offenders before they are released back into society. This kind of program allows inmates that are preparing for release to actively get integrated back into the workforce by working in jobs in the surrounding communities.

In order for an inmate to be eligible for this kind of treatment plan they must be a class I-A non-violent offender and be no more than 42 months from their release date or initial parole hearing.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

Visiting hours at the Northwest Arkansas Work Release Center are generally on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m. However, there is a rotating visitation schedule, so be sure to talk with the inmate via phone or mail first so you know the exact time they are allowed to receive visits.

There is a maximum of four visitors per inmate during a visit, including children. However, an inmate’s spouse and all children, regardless of the number, may visit at one time.

How To Get On The Approved Visit List

You must start the process by asking your incarcerated friend or loved one to mail you a visit application. Each potential visitor must complete a visitation application and return it to the address listed on the form to the attention of the Visitation Clerk. Do not mail it back to the inmate.

All applications are then processed, reviewed and either approved or denied by the Warden. The screening process can take seven (7) days or longer. A criminal history check is done on all prospective visitors.

It is the inmate’s responsibility to let you know if you have been approved or denied.

Anyone who is not on an inmate's approved visitation list will not be allowed to visit.

General Visit Rules

All visitors age 12 and older are required to provide state-issued photo identification for entry into a visit. The rules are strict, and the only things you are allowed to bring in the visiting room are:

• A clear plastic bag containing a small amount of cash for buying drinks and snacks
• Prescription medication in the visitor’s name and in the original pharmacy container
• Photo ID
• Baby bottles, baby diapers, and diaper wipes
• Car keys
• jewelry (being worn)

Do not bring in a cell phone or other electronic devices.

There is a dress code for visitors, and it is extremely conservative. Avoid halter-tops, tank tops, hats, shorts, mini-skirts/dresses, see-through clothing, leggings, jeggings, sleeveless tops, or camouflage.

Finally, be aware that before you enter the visiting area you will walk through a metal detector, and it is possible you will be pat searched. If you refuse, you will not be allowed to visit.

If you can’t successfully clear all entrance procedures, they will not allow you to visit and you may have your visitation privileges suspended.

You can only send short letters to an inmate in the ADOC. If you want to send books, magazines, newspapers, or catalogs, they must be mailed directly from the publisher or vendor.

When you send mail to an inmate, they will not receive your actual letter. Instead, they will receive two sheets of copy paper that include a copy of the envelope and three pieces of the correspondence.

Only black and white copies will be made, so please write all letters in dark ink only (black or blue ink), and do not use pencils or yellow markers because it will reduce image quality.

You can’t mail food or care packages to an inmate. However, if you would like to send an inmate a care package, you can use the Inmate Package Program. This allows you to buy up to $100 of goods through participating vendors at different times throughout the year. To get more information or to order a package, please click one of the links below.

• www.ARInmatePackage.com
• www.arkansaspackages.com

You can also send email and photos through www.accesscorrections.com, but you will need to open an account with them first before sending any correspondence.

All snail mail and email is subject to review by the facility staff prior to delivery, so make sure your content is appropriate.

How to Call an Inmate

For complete details on how to call an inmate in Arkansas, please click here.

How to Send Money

There are three different ways to send money to an inmate at Northwest Arkansas Work Release Center.

The fastest option is to use the ONLINE INMATE DEPOSIT SERVICE through the Arkansas Department of Corrections. You must have a credit or debit card to use this method, and it does have a processing fee. Prepaid cards and payroll cards are not accepted.

If you don’t want to use a credit or debit card, you can send a money order through the US Postal Service. Do not send a check or cash, and don’t mail it directly to the inmate. Instead, mail the money order along with a Money Order Deposit Slip to:

Arkansas Department of Correction:
Trust Fund Centralized Banking
P.O. Box 8908
Pine Bluff, AR 71611

Money orders should be made payable to the inmate’s name and you must include their ADC number.

You can also send money to an inmate by phone by calling 1-866-250-7697. You will need a credit or debit card for this method, and there is a small processing fee.

​Programs For ​Inmates

• GED Program

GED classes are offered at Northwest Arkansas Work Release Center and the Board of Corrections requires attendance for all inmates without a GED or high school diploma unless they are unable to participate due to health reasons.

• Life Skills

Pictures of Northwest Arkansas Work Release Center

Careers at Northwest Arkansas Work Release Center

If you are interested in pursuing a career with the Arkansas Department of Corrections, you can find available positions at the Northwest Arkansas Work Release Center by visiting their website.