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History & Goals

DCC History:

When the Arkansas Legislature passed the Community Punishment Act (548) in 1993, the Department of Community Punishment was created. The purpose of this act to establish an agency to assume the responsibilities of management of all community punishment facilities and services, execute the orders of the criminal courts of the State of Arkansas and provide for the supervision, treatment, rehabilitation and restoration of adult offenders as useful law-abiding citizens within the community.

The ultimate goal of the act was to balance the need for punishment with services and to assist the offender in becoming a law-abiding citizen. The DCP is responsible for the administration of all community punishment facilities, services and means of supervision, including probation and parole and any other types of post supervision releases.

During the 83rd Session of the General Assembly, a bill was filed primarily to rename the Department of Community Punishment. The bill was signed by the Governor and is now Act 323 of 2001. The official name of the agency changed to the Department of Community Correction (DCC) on August 13, 2001. This act also changed the Board of Correction and Community Punishment to the Board of Corrections (BOC).

Goals:

1. To provide appropriate and effective supervision of offenders in the community
2. To provide for the confinement, care, control and treatment of offenders sentenced to or confined in community correction centers in an adequate, safe and secure environment.
3. To develop and implement sanctions, programs and services needed to function within the scope of the mission.
4. To improve staff recruiting, retention and training efforts.

Mission Statement:

To promote public safety and a crime-free lifestyle by providing cost-effective community-based sanctions, and enforcing State laws and court mandates in the supervision and treatment of adult offenders.

Philosophy:

We provide opportunities for positive change.

Motto:

Service with Excellence and Integrity.