Out-of-State Transfer of Inmates FAQ

Updated 04/5/2007

(Click questions to see or hide answers)

1. Why is the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) transferring more inmates out-of-state?

   
   
   In an effort to relieve the critical shortage of beds, the legislature appropriated funds for the Department to lease beds in other states on an interim basis and transfer certain inmates to three out-of-state facilities.  Inmates may be transferred to the Diamondback Correctional Facility in Watonga, Oklahoma, the Great Plains Correctional Facility in Hinton, Oklahoma, and the New Castle Correctional Facility in New Castle, Indiana.

   
   
   
   

2. Is there anything I can do to prevent an inmate from being transferred?

   
   
   No. These transfers are necessary to relieve the critical shortage of beds and overcrowded conditions in Arizona’s prison facilities.
   
   
   

3. Why has my family member been identified as a potential transfer when he is doing well here?

   
   
   All general population minimum and medium security inmates are being screened and any eligible inmate is subject to transfer.
   
   
   

4. What are the criteria for selection of eligible inmates?

   
   
   Selection criteria for eligible inmates include:
   

   • Date of earliest release is more than 6 months away

   • Not serving a life sentence

   • Mental health score of 3 or less

   • Cleared by ADC medical staff

   • Volunteers meeting the above criteria will be given priority consideration for this opportunity

   
   

5. Where is Watonga, Oklahoma?

   
   
   Approximately 65 miles northwest of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
   
   
   

6. Where is New Castle, Indiana?

   
   
   Approximately 40 miles east of Indianapolis, Indiana.
   
   
   

7. Where is Hinton, Oklahoma?

   
   
   Approximately 59 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
   
   
   

8. Will inmates receive the same medical treatment at the out-of-state facility as they receive here in Arizona?

   
   
   Yes, all facilities provide comparable health services including medical, optometry, dental, pharmacy, and mental health services in accordance with community standards of care and ADC policies. Medical prescriptions and devices will be transferred with the inmate. For additional information about inmate health delivery, please call the ADC Regional Health Administrator at 520-770-0023, ext. 223.
   
   
   

9. Will the inmate have access to legal papers and legal services?

   
   
   Yes, the same legal research materials and paralegal support are available in accordance with ADC policies.
   
   
   

10. Will an inmate’s education programs be interrupted?

    
    
    All facilities offer religious, educational, and substance abuse treatment programs; some vocational programs are available at several locations. They all provide indoor and outdoor recreational areas.
    
    
    

11. How can I visit an inmate?

    
    
    Visitation is available at all out-of-state facilities as per ADC Department Order #911.
    
    
    

12. What is a video visit?

    
    
    Video visitation is offered in accordance with Arizona Department of Corrections Director’s Instruction # 222. It is a low cost and convenient way for families and friends to visit.
    
    Family and friends can participate in video visits from two in-state locations to the Diamondback, OK, the Great Plains Correctional Facility, OK,  and New Castle, IN facilities:

    1) ASPC-Perryville, (directions) is located west of Phoenix. Visits are conducted in the South Lobby at 2014 North Citrus Road, Goodyear, Arizona 85338.

    2) ASPC-Tucson (directions) in Building 47, Main Prison Complex at 10,000 South Wilmot Road, Tucson, Arizona 85734.
    
    Video visitation calls are limited to 30 minutes per session. In the event a connection is lost due to technical difficulties, the visit may be extended an equal amount of time for which the connection was interrupted. Calls for all out-of-state locations must be scheduled in advance of the video visitation date by calling (602) 542-3602, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays. Visits occur on Saturday, Sunday and designated holidays between the hours of  7:30 am. and 3:45 p.m. to accommodate the different time zones.
     

    In accordance with Arizona Department of Corrections Visitation Policy #911, only visitors on an inmate’s approved visitation list may participate in video visitation. A maximum of four visitors including children may visit at one time. All Department policies regarding dress code, property, conduct, and suspension of privileges for cause will remain in effect at all times.
    
    
    

13. Is there transportation available to out-of-state facilities?

    
    
    At-cost charter bus service to the Diamondback Correctional Facility in Watonga, Oklahoma, is available to approved visitors. Trips are scheduled the last week of each month with three weeks advance reservation and payment required.  Charter bus trips are scheduled with an expectation that a sufficient number of participants will utilize the service.  It is the responsibility of visitors to contact the out-of-state facility to secure visitation information prior to making the trip and to familiarize themselves with visitation policies. See the article at the end of the Frequently Asked Questions listing for specific information about bus schedules, cost, etc.

     

    Charter bus service for the New Castle Facility and the Hinton, OK facility are not available at this time.

    
    

14. How much do long-distance phone calls cost?

    
    
    Costs for long-distance telephone communication include a $2 connection fee and 25 cents per minute rate thereafter from the Diamondback Correctional Facility.  Telephone communication from the Great Plains Correctional Facility in Hinton include collect calls or phone calling cards which the inmates may purchase through the inmate store.

     

    Collect calls from inmates at the New Castle Correctional Facility will be made through Infinity Networks, P.O. Box 30137 Austin, Texas 78755. Pre-paid account information may be accessed by calling 1-866-681-2948.

    
    

15. How do I send mail to an inmate?

    
    
    In accordance with ADC Department Order #909, address correspondence accordingly:
    
    Diamondback Correctional Facility
    Inmate’s full legal name & ADC #
    Route 2, Box 336
    Watonga, OK 73772

     

    Great Plains Correctional Facility

    Inmate's full legal name & ADC #

    P.O. Box 1018

    Hinton, OK  73047

     

    New Castle Correctional Facility

    Inmate’s full legal name & ADC #

    P. O. Box 740

    New Castle, IN 47362

     

16. Will my family member get back to Arizona before his release date?

    
    
    All inmates will be returned to Arizona prior to release.
    
    
    

17. Will inmates be returned to the same facility they were transferred from?

    
    
    No, not necessarily.
    
    
    

18. Who can I contact when I have a concern or question?

    
    
    You may contact:
    
    

    Diamondback Correctional Facility: 580-614-2000
    Family Assistance Coordinator: Sandra Clark, extension 2215, or you may speak with an ADC on-site monitor.

     

    Great Plains Correctional Facility: 405-542-3711

    Family Assistance Coordinator: Debbie Naylor, extension 75003, or you may speak with an ADC on-site monitor.

    New Castle Correctional Facility:  765-593-0111
    Family Assistance Coordinator: Trina Randall, extension 2005, or you may speak with an ADC on-site monitor.

     

    ADC Inmate Family& Friends Liaison: 602-364-3945
    In-State Toll Free: 866-333-2039

     

     

CHARTER BUS SERVICES

Diamondback Correctional Facility

Charter bus service for the Diamondback Correctional Facility in Watonga, Oklahoma is available by contacting Bee Line Transportation at two locations:  Phoenix, Margaret (602) 452-4725, or Tucson, Sharon (520) 760-8784.  Reservations and payment must be made 21 days in advance. 

Hotels in the area include:

          Watonga Motel (888) 854‑5709

        Coach Inn (580) 623‑8412 or 623‑8413

        Western Inn (580) 623‑2871

Shuttle service to the Diamondback Facility from the hotels will be provided by the charter bus company.

New Castle Correctional/Great Plains Correctional Facilities

Charter bus service for the New Castle Facility in Indiana and the Great Plains Correctional Facility in Hinton, OK are not available at this time.

PLEASE NOTE. Neither lodging nor meals are included in purchase of the charter bus service.

Charter bus services are the sole responsibility of Bee Line Transportation and All-Aboard America.  Consequently, all questions and concerns about travel should be addressed to the vendors.  The Arizona Department of Corrections is not responsible for the cancellation of trips for lack of participants, lost/damaged items or any other matters related to transportation services provided by the charter bus services.