Cummins Unit

The Cummins Unit, established in 1902, is one of the oldest correctional facilities in Arkansas, located in Lincoln County. Spanning a vast 16,500-acre property, it operates as a prison farm, blending incarceration with agricultural labor. Housing up to 1,725 inmates, the facility plays a significant role in the state’s correctional system.

Historically, the Cummins Unit has been central to Arkansas’s penal developments. It originally occupied land from the Cummins and Maple Grove plantations, once used for cotton farming. For decades, it also housed male death row inmates. Although the death row officially moved to the Tucker Maximum Security Unit in 1986, the state’s execution chamber remains on the Cummins grounds, marking its somber connection to capital punishment.

Today, the Cummins Unit features a unique mix of agriculture and corrections. On-site farming includes crops, livestock, and vegetables, reinforcing inmate work programs and contributing to self-sustainability. The “Hoe Squad,” a group of inmates working the fields, remains an active component of these operations. Despite its functional purpose, the institution has faced scrutiny over inmate treatment in the past, which drew national attention and prompted reforms.

The visitation schedule currently allows family and friends to connect with inmates on:

• Saturdays and Sundays. Two visitation periods are offered each day, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., ensuring vital social interactions that aid rehabilitation.

Despite its challenges, the Cummins Unit is vital to the Arkansas Division of Correction. Its long history and ongoing contributions to inmate reform and agricultural production highlight its complex, multifaceted role in the state’s justice system.

For further information about the Cummins Unit, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the Arkansas Department of Corrections or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of Arkansas.