AR DOC-Varner Unit & Supermax

You can support your loved ones at Varner Unit on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 870-575-1800.

Located at State Hwy 388 in Gould, AR, Varner Unit carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Varner Unit offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on AR DOC-Varner Unit & Supermax so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

The Varner Unit, situated in Lincoln County and operated by the Arkansas DOC, is a high-security state prison for adult male inmates. It can house over 1,712 prisoners, including a 468-bed supermax facility. The supermax and non-supermax facilities are separate from each other.

Notably, the Varner Unit Supermax houses male inmates scheduled for execution in Arkansas, with the actual executions taking place at the nearby Cummins Unit. The prison also serves as the location for female death row inmates. Varner is considered one of the state's "parent units" for male prisoners, serving as one of several units of initial assignment for processed male prisoners.

Operational activities at the Varner Unit include Death Row, a GED Program, Mental Health Classes, the Principles and Applications for Life (PAL) Program, Regional Maintenance, Substance Abuse Treatment Programs, the Think Legacy Program, and Vo-Tech vocational training.

The Varner Unit was opened in 1987 with 300 beds, later expanded to 700 beds and further increased to its current capacity. The supermax units were established in 2000, with a significant portion of construction costs covered by federal grants.

Historically, the Varner Unit was nicknamed the "Gladiator School" as it housed all young male offenders in the state prison system at one time. In 2003, all 39 Arkansas death row inmates were relocated from the Maximum Security Unit to the Supermax at the Varner Unit.

In 2011, a confrontation among prisoners and correctional officers resulted in injuries among the officers. Additionally, during 2004/2005, an electric fence was installed between two non-electric fences at the Varner Unit, with inmate labor assisting in its construction.