The prison money-transferring service JPay is offering a new computerized tablet to some inmates, potentially giving them access to such things as email.
Lorenzo Ligato, reporting for The Huffington Post in a story titled “Our Connected Future,” highlighted the Florida-based telecommunications company’s launch of the JP5 mini tablet that will connect prison inmates to the outside world.
The tablet is a 4.3-inch device that has the capability of sending emails, taking photos and, for facilities that are transitioning to wireless networks, there is WiFi connection capacity. In addition to the launch of the tablet, JPay has tentatively announced that in August it intends to introduce an app store. If successful, inmates would then be able to download games and educational apps.
The tablets are made of clear plastic to eliminate smuggling and housing weapons. Also, there are special manufacturing modification mechanisms that ensure that no other systems can be installed. The program will not allow prisoners to use their devices without tight scrutiny. The content of their messages will be tightly vetted before being given the green light to send out beyond prison walls.
The cost of JP5 mini will fall squarely on the shoulders of the inmates and their families. JPay will be offering the tablet for $70.
The company contends that a key component to rehabilitation is that the incarcerated establish and maintain family ties. The JP5 mini will assist in that effort, says Ryan Shapiro, CEO of JPay. “This tablet, combined with our current reach, has the capacity to truly rehabilitate offenders on a massive scale.”
A study by the nonprofit Vera Institute showed that incarcerated men and women who maintained strong family ties and build supportive relationships fare better once released than those who do not.
The Huffington Post reported that Shapiro told Yahoo Tech that he believes that the tablets will replace the prison phone system completely.
 
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