What Can Inmates Do with Their Jail Tablets?

Prison tablets have become a significant tool for inmates to engage in various activities, from education to entertainment, while serving their time in correctional facilities. The availability and features of these tablets vary depending on the state and the specific facility. Understanding what inmates can and cannot do on their jail tablets can provide insight into their daily lives and the overall objective of rehabilitation.

Tablets in Different States

The regulations surrounding inmate tablets are not uniform across all states. In Virginia, inmates were limited to listening to music and creating email drafts that required physical submission to be sent. Meanwhile, in Missouri, inmates have more access to tablets with features such as making phone calls, sending emails, downloading music, taking college courses, checking their accounts, and filling out commissary lists. However, the availability of these features may differ widely between facilities and states.

Education and Entertainment

Tablets offer specialized content and services to inmates, enabling them to access a wide array of educational and entertainment resources. These tablets help inmates to:

Take college courses Fill out commissary lists Download music Check their accounts Order games for entertainment Read books (though specific availability may vary)

The inclusion of these features aims to provide meaningful and engaging activities, which can contribute to rehabilitation efforts. For example, taking college courses can help inmates develop new skills and improve their education, enhancing their prospects of finding employment and successfully reintegrating into society upon release.

Regulations and Limitations

The use of tablets in correctional facilities is not without limitations. Access to the internet and certain content may be restricted. Some facilities may only allow inmates to download pre-approved music or games, while others might not permit phone calls or access to the internet altogether. These restrictions are in place to ensure security and maintain order within the correctional facility.

For some inmates, tablets serve as a means to access essential resources. For instance, in the context of educational pursuits, tablets can enable inmates to study for GED exams and other certification programs, which can be crucial for finding employment post-release. One inmate shared:

The times that I was in the Prison Library when I was on patrol was to use the tablets for the purpose of getting a GED so they can find a job when they parole! The inmates also used the Library to hook up too!

Additionally, the presence of tablets can also facilitate communication with family and friends, helping to maintain social connections and emotional well-being during incarceration.

Conclusion

The availability and features of jail tablets vary widely depending on the state and facility. These tablets serve as a tool for education, entertainment, and communication, aimed at supporting inmates in their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.

The key takeaways are that inmates can:

Download music and games for entertainment Access educational content and take college courses Make phone calls and send emails Fill out commissary lists and check accounts Note: Specific availability of certain features may vary between facilities and states.

Understanding the capabilities and limitations of jail tablets can provide valuable insights into the experiences of inmates and the broader objectives of correctional facilities.