05/04/2026
A message from Arkansas Division of Correction Director Dexter Payne:
"During , we pause to recognize a group of professionals whose work is often unseen, but never unimportant.
To every Correctional Officer, Non-Security Staff Member, Medical, Mental Health Professional, and Teachers, thank you.
Thank you for your discipline in environments that demand constant vigilance.
Thank you for your professionalism in the face of daily challenges.
Thank you for your commitment to safety, structure, and accountability.
This profession requires more than strength. It requires judgment, integrity, and resilience. You are asked to make difficult decisions, maintain order under pressure, and treat others with fairness—even when it is not easy.
You are not only guardians of our facilities—you are essential to the broader mission of justice and public safety. The work you do protects communities, supports rehabilitation, and upholds the rule of law.
To you and your families, who also share in the sacrifices this profession demands—we are grateful.
This week is a reminder that your service to the Great State of Arkansas and its citizens is respected, and it does not go unnoticed.
Thank you for what you do, every single day."
