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Lawmakers press corrections on vacant beds at reentry center; officials say screening and transfer rules limit placements
Summary
Representative Beatty pressed Corrections officials about 39 vacant beds at a reentry facility (out of 204), and Corrections staff said screening criteria and transfer-board denials have limited placements despite efforts to utilize the program, which lawmakers called a priority for reducing recidivism.
Representative Beatty asked for more information about the 'Renew Life Center' reentry services item listed in the packet (appearances in the document indicated Bismarck, but Corrections staff said the facility is Hidden Creek in Little Rock). Jim Cheek, director of the Division of Community Corrections, said the center provides reentry services and reported the system currently has 39 vacant beds out of 204 allotted. Cheek and Chad Brown (CFO, Department of Correction) explained that candidates must meet screening criteria and that many offenders are denied by the transfer board or fail to meet other program eligibility requirements.
Cheek said some inmates move through stages of the program and some successfully transition to community placement, but the department is struggling to keep bed occupancy high. Representative Beatty said the program is effective and promised continued oversight, saying he would "turn up the heat" to ensure vacancies are addressed.
Corrections staff said they receive daily reports on candidate eligibility and screening and are working to refine placement processes; they emphasized the department’s need to balance access against public safety and program compliance.
Next steps: Corrections will continue to monitor vacancies and provide updates; Representative Beatty indicated he will continue to press the department on occupancy and program use.
