7. Internet Access
The ability to connect to and use the internet has become one of the most basic rights for huge numbers of people. The web has evolved into something that millions of people rely on every single day, whether it is for work, communication, information gathering, or simply entertainment.
Despite this, there has been a large amount of protest at the idea of giving prisoners the ability to go on the internet. After all, it would give inmates the opportunity to harass victims and witnesses or communicate with gang members or other criminals. That hasn’t stopped some facilities from giving prisoners the chance to send emails and access the web from specially installed kiosks.
“This is how people communicate in 2016,” said Dave Maass of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. “We’re making fewer calls, and do most of our communications through instant messaging, Facebook and other types of social media. There’s a better chance of rehabilitation if inmates are allowed to communicate in the way people do it in the 21st century.”
6. Tablets
Along with giving various prisoners the chance to go online through special timed kiosks, certain institutions have also initiated programs whereby prisoners can get their hands on tablet computers. These are generally made by companies such as JPay or Enovo, who create custom tablets specifically for prisons and jails.
According to these organizations, the tablets make for safer prisons and lowers the chances of an inmate reoffending when they are released back into society. This is because the tablets offer them the chance to communicate with friends and family, via email and other messaging services, listen to music, watch videos, and even get access to educational material so they can develop their own skills. Additionally, because everything is run on an exclusive and closed-off system, there are very few risks associated with inmates having the devices in their possession.
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