Varner Unit

The Varner Unit, a high-security prison in Lincoln County, Arkansas, opened in 1987 to address the state’s growing inmate population. Located about 30 miles south of Pine Bluff, the facility can accommodate up to 1,714 inmates and includes two sections: the Varner Unit and the Supermax Unit. While the main Varner Unit serves as a medium-security facility, the Supermax Unit, established in 2000, houses all of Arkansas’s male death row inmates.

The Varner Unit is fenced with multiple layers of security, including an electric perimeter introduced in 2005. Its operations aim to ensure safety while promoting rehabilitation among inmates. Programs include GED education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and the Principles and Applications for Life (PAL) initiative. A notable recent addition is the prison seminary, which awarded its first degrees in Christian studies in 2023.

The unit has contributed significantly to the Arkansas correctional system by hosting juvenile offenders and serving as one of the state’s “parent units” for new male prisoners. It has also seen its share of controversies, from smuggling incidents to violent clashes between inmates and staff. Yet, it remains a flagship facility that provides correctional and rehabilitative services.

Despite its challenges, the Varner Unit is critical in Arkansas, balancing security with rehabilitation to support inmate reintegration into society.

For further information about the Varner 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.