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Today's Poll: Should NYS allow a private company to give tablet computers to prison inmates?

By Howard B. Owens
Brian Graz

The provider said "the tablets are specialized and specifically aimed at improving the rehabilitation process and reducing recidivism, the rate at which released inmates return to the prison system." What a crock of BS! Look at the % of recidivism already, and then tell me a fairy tale of how making the inside even more dormitory lifelike is going to be a deterrent to people who are predisposed to break the law.

A WKBW news source reported that "Under a new state contract, all inmates in New York State prisons will receive free tablets."

"Under a new state contract"... sounds to me that NYS government is involved. Did the Legislature debate, vote, have any say on this?

BTW, nothing is Free!!!!!

Feb 2, 2018, 5:04pm Permalink
John Roach

Graz, If the State is not spending money, the Legislature does not have to pass any approval. The contract would be with DOCS and the company spelling out how this will work. One question I hope gets answered is who pays for repairs? And if an inmate breaks one, which will happen, who pays to replace it, or does it even get replaced.

Feb 2, 2018, 5:47pm Permalink
Brian Graz

Some of those questions have been addressed. If a unit is broken a replacement must be paid for by the inmate. Same with purchasing music and ibooks, the inmate has to pay for these.

How about if an inmate purposely breaks the tablet to create sharp edged pieces of plastic to use as a weapon?

Any way I look at it, there is nothing reasonable, rational, or redeeming about allowing incarcerated lawbreakers to have these tablets. BTW, are inmates allowed to have cell phones?

Feb 2, 2018, 6:32pm Permalink
John Roach

Graz, no cell phones. Too often they have been used to help inmates escape. In fact, in NY, if an employee brings a cell phone into a facility, they will be disciplined. They can even be fired.

As for breaking one to make a weapon, they have so many other things they can use, that is not likely.

Feb 2, 2018, 6:37pm Permalink

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