Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 159 - Department of Community Correction
Here’s a summary of Arkansas Administrative Code, Agency 159 – Department of Community Correction:
📘 Overview
Agency 159 establishes administrative rules for the Arkansas Department of Community Correction (DCC), which operates under the Arkansas Department of Corrections. DCC oversees community-based supervision, transitional housing, furloughs, and residential correctional centers (doc.arkansas.gov).
🏠 Community Correction Center (CCC) Standards
Rule 159.00.05-002 (AR 1.4) lays out criteria and standards for CCCs:
Authority: Adopted under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 12‑27‑105; 16‑93‑1203; 16‑93‑1205 (regulations.justia.com).
Purpose: Provide structured rehabilitation with public safety in mind, and consider early parole board release once program goals are met (regulations.justia.com).
Admission criteria for offenders into CCCs:
Must be felons eligible by law, with crimes falling within the defined targeted group (§ 16‑93‑1202) (regulations.justia.com).
Generally capped at 1 year for probationers or parole referrals, and 2 years post-judicial transfer from ADC (regulations.justia.com).
Disqualifications include prior violent/sex felonies, sexual/violent misconduct in custody, known violent mental disorders, pending felony detainers, or undue risk to the public (regulations.justia.com).
Standards:
Admission verification and intake medical exams within 3 days (5–6 months accepted if done at ADC recently) (regulations.justia.com).
Credit given for pre‑sentencing custody; good behavior credits allowed for judicially transferred offenders (regulations.justia.com).
Community work crew projects conducted under supervision and proper standards (regulations.justia.com).
Other Key Rules in Agency 159
Rule 159.00.05-003 (AR 7.24): Defines resident visitation policies—regulating visitor access at CCC residential centers (law.cornell.edu).
Rule 159.00.06-002 (AR 7.30): Covers DCC’s furlough program, including eligibility and monitoring periods (law.cornell.edu).
Rule 159.00.06-004 (AR 7.27): Addresses volunteer programs in CCC settings (law.cornell.edu).
Rule 159.00.08-001 (AR 8.9): Focuses on offender substance abuse programming (law.cornell.edu).
Rule 159.00.15 series: Includes policies on electronic monitoring post‑120 days, public release of offender info, reentry facilities, and policy development (law.cornell.edu).
Rule 159.00.17 series: Safety rules concerning use of force and regulations on weapons/security equipment (law.cornell.edu).
Statutory Context & Expansion
Arkansas laws (Acts 159 of 2019, 659 of 2023) give DCC powers to license and supervise transitional housing programs, create intermediate sanctions, and implement evidence-based oversight by community supervision officers (arkleg.state.ar.us).
Act 159 (2019): DCC to set standards, licensing, and enforcement for transitional housing for offenders .
Act 659 (2023): Clarifies DCC’s role in community supervision, intermediate sanctions (fines, service, short-term custody), and resource allocation based on offender risks .
✅ Summary
Agency 159 sets the rules and quality standards for CCCs, supervision programs, visitation, furloughs, substance abuse, and volunteer/work initiatives.
It defines eligibility, duration limits, admission protocols, and operational standards to ensure both rehabilitation and public safety.
Statutes augment DCC authority to license transitional housing, use sanctions effectively, and oversee risk-based supervision.
RELATED Blog
0 comments