To tackle overcrowding in county jails while a new 3,000-bed prison is under construction, the Arkansas Department of Corrections, in collaboration with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, is prioritizing immediate expansions. With the current prison system operating at full capacity with 16,000 beds and over 17,000 inmates, Sanders highlighted the urgent need for facility expansions to better manage violent offenders.
Recently, 124 inmates were relocated to the Tucker Unit work-release facility as part of these efforts. Plans are also underway to add nearly 325 beds across facilities in Batesville, Texarkana, and Newport. The new prison project remains in its early phases, with land selection and a design consultant still pending. Additionally, the board is addressing the need to clarify a legal contract with attorney Abtin Mehdizadegan, amid ongoing scrutiny and legislative criticism.
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September 3, 2024 4:38 pm
Instead of increasing jails for murderer’s I think they should be sent off to war since they enjoy killing others.