Arizona Department of Corrections
Out-of-State Transfer of Inmates

In an effort to relieve the critical shortage of beds and overcrowded conditions that ensue, the Arizona legislature authorized funding for ADC to contract for prison beds in other jurisdictions on a provisional basis in 2002.  In 2003, the Legislature authorized funds to temporarily house up to an additional 2,100 beds in out-of-state facilities. 

Currently, eligible inmates may be placed in one of three prisons in other states on a provisional basis.  The Diamondback Correctional Facility is located in Watonga, Oklahoma, approximately 65 miles northwest of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  The Great Plains Correctional Facility is approximately 59 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  The New Castle Correctional Facility is near New Castle, Indiana, about 40 miles east of Indianapolis, Indiana.

The contract between the Arizona Department of Corrections and the Indiana Department of Corrections to house Arizona inmates at the New Castle Correctional Facility has been terminated.  Arizona inmates currently housed at the New Castle Correctional Facility will be returned to Arizona over the next few weeks.  Returning inmates will be housed in their appropriate custody level.

General Information

Certain inmates in minimum and medium custody levels are eligible for transfer consideration.  Criteria for selection include their classification score, release dates and medical needs. Ordinarily inmates will be returned to Arizona and assigned to a facility instate within 30 days of their release date.

The Department recognizes out-of-state transfers impact inmates’ family and friends and make visiting more difficult. Accordingly video visitation is available.  "At Cost" charter bus service is available to the Diamondback Correctional Facility and staff at that facility will assist you in locating over night accommodations.  Each facility has also designated a Family Assistance Coordinator to support your efforts to remain in contact with your loved one while he is in Indiana or Oklahoma.  You are invited to check the ADC web site. Information is updated periodically and includes “Frequently Asked Questions.”  You are also encouraged to contact the prison directly (Indiana at 765-593-0111, Oklahoma, Diamondback at 580-614-2000, or Oklahoma, Hinton at 405-542-3711 ) or the ADC Inmate Family & Friends Office at any time for information at 602-364-3945 (in-state, toll-free 866-333-2039).

On-site ADC monitoring teams are assigned to each out-of-state prison ensuring those facilities operates comparably to those in ADC.  ADC staff also oversees all classification, discipline and grievance decisions and work assignments.

The following services and programs are provided at out-of-state locations:

Legal Access to the Courts

The same legal research materials and paralegal support are available per ADC policies.

Health Services

Health services including medical, optometry, dental, pharmacy and mental health care are provided in keeping with community standards of care and ADC policy.  For additional information about inmate health delivery, call the ADC Regional Health Administrator at 520-770-0023, ext. 223.

Commissary

Inmates may purchase commissary items per ADC guidelines.  Inmates may also receive money orders and cashiers’ checks in accordance with ADC policy.  Money orders and cashiers’ checks are to be made out to the name of the facility.  Please ensure the inmate’s name and ADC number are on the money order or cashier check, and send to:

Diamondback Correctional Facility

Route 2, Box 336

Watonga, OK 73772

Great Plains Correctional Facility

P.O. Box 1018

Hinton, OK  73047

New Castle Correctional Facility

c/o GEO Group Inc

P.O. Box 740

New Castle, Indiana 47362

Program Services

Inmate programs include paid work assignments, ABE and GED classes, substance abuse education and treatment, a resource library, religious activities, hobby craft programs and recreational opportunities. Some vocational programs are also available.

Telephone Calls/Visitation

Inmates may place collect and pre-paid long-distance telephone calls and receive visits by pre-approved family and friends in accordance with ADC policies.