LITTLE ROCK -- Two contracts are set to be signed this week that would provide video visitation for Arkansas prison inmates and could generate millions of dollars for the state.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports the Board of Corrections unanimously approved contracts for telephone services for the prison and the Department of Community Corrections, and for prison video visitation services. The approval occurred during an April 6 meeting.
The video system would allow family members of inmates to visit virtually using a webcam and microphone. The inmate would communicate from a pod or kiosk that would provide privacy.
Securus Technologies was awarded the contract in October 2014. Video visitations would last 30-minutes and cost an inmate $12.99 plus taxes, fees and surcharges.
The prison system will receive a 73 percent commission on voice calls. It will also collect a 20 percent commission on video calls after the company recoups its installation expense of $3.65 million.
Commissioner Wendy Kelley told the board that in-person visitation for inmates will not be eliminated, but the video visitation will reduce the number of visitors to the prisons.
Kelley said that will lead to the need for fewer guards and less contraband being smuggled in.
"I just see it as a win-win situation," Kelley said.
The Arkansas Department of Correction previously had a contract with telephone provider Global Tel*Link.
The company sued the state in January, and asked a judge to issue a temporary restraining order and mandatory injunction to stop the prison system from signing a new contract until the lawsuit is resolved. The judge has yet to rule on the request.
State Desk on 04/15/2015