Current Events > Want a free tablet computer? Just get sent to prison in New York state

(+) Yeah! (+)

http://www.newyorkupstate.com/news/2018/01/new_york_state_prisoners_to_get_free_tablets_for_education_contacting_family.html

Inmates at New York state prisons will be getting free tablet computers that will allow them to access educational material, file grievances and email their families, the state corrections department said Wednesday.

The tablets, provided by the company JPay, will be given to inmates at no cost to the state or to the inmates.

Inmates can also pay for eBooks, music or other entertainment through their commissary account, money that goes to the company. The corrections department will receive no commission from any purchases on the tablets, officials said.

The devices will not have general Internet access.

It's not clear when the tablets might be provided to inmates. Anthony Annucci, the acting commissioner of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, announced the news at a budget hearing Wednesday in Albany.

He described giving tablets to inmates as a "groundbreaking move" that embraces technology to improve services for inmates and better connect them to their families.
There were more than 52,000 inmates in state custody in March 2016, according to the state.

JPay is the company the state already uses to process community supervision payments and payments from relatives to inmates' commissary accounts. Several state prisons already have JPay kiosks in their lobbies. DOCCS officials called the tablet program as a "contractual agreement the Department recently entered into with JPay."

Aside from the headline, what's the play here for JPay? Must be making good money on this somehow.

Also, how long before the prisoners figure out how to hack these and do gain "general Internet access?"
---

That's not even a remotely fair trade
---

The Admiral posted...

Also, how long before the prisoners figure out how to hack these and do gain "general Internet access?"

At least Dawkins doesnt live there so I guess none of them will be visiting this site when they do.
---

would 100 years ago we complain that they're getting free books too?
---

https://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/400-current-events/76268041
---

So you want fast food restaurants to leap forward with automation, but want jails to stay in the stone age. Got it.
---

prince_leo posted...

would 100 years ago we complain that they're getting free books too?

"can't believe we're letting prisoners get free food and beds"
---

They don't get to keep them. It's just a portable computer and that's already available in prisons so what's the problem

sktgamer_13dude posted...

https://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/400-current-events/76268041

Man, the final post in that topic is, uh, interesting.
---

justaguy3492 posted...

So you want fast food restaurants to leap forward with automation, but want jails to stay in the stone age. Got it.

Why should prisoners enjoy luxuries at all? They should get the basic necessities of life and nothing more.
---

Axiom posted...

They don't get to keep them. It's just a portable computer and that's already available in prisons so what's the problem

But on topic: this. Nobody is going to prison for the gimpy tablets, and giving prisoners reading material and making it easier for them to stay in touch with loved ones seems fine.

I do have concerns that ebooks on these devices (which prisoners have to pay for) might replace prison libraries.
---

your topic title is even worse than the headline but I do agree that it is stupid and not likely to do much for inmates

and I also wonder why this private company is doing it

The Admiral posted...

Also, how long before the prisoners figure out how to hack these and do gain "general Internet access?"

literally seconds
---

prince_leo posted...

would 100 years ago we complain that they're getting free books too?

can be sure someone in addy's family tree was. probably standing on a soapbox on a street corner while waving his penis at passerby
---

Don't really see the harm in it. Tablets are becoming so cheap that they're now being assigned to middle and high schoolers. Maybe this move will help cut down on storage costs for libraries and computer rooms.
---

Balrog0 posted...

and I also wonder why this private company is doing it

My guess is that they're going to monetize this buy selling digital goods to the prisoners, but it's unclear. They're not doing this as a kind gesture.
---

Eh, I don't see anything wrong with it >_> They don't keep them.
---

The Admiral posted...

My guess is that they're going to monetize this buy selling digital goods to the prisoners, but it's unclear. They're not doing this as a kind gesture.

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2018/01/31/inmates-in-new-york-state-prisons-to-receive-free-tablet-computers.html

JPay will reportedly make money if an inmate decides to make a purchase, such as additional books, on the tablet.

also, from a reddit comment

The tablets are a way for inmates to better prepare for life outside of prison. They will have access to educational books and things of that nature for life training.

The state isn't paying for these. They are being paid for by an outside organization which will then make money off of any purchases the inmates make (additional books and music and so on)

The tablets will also allow the inmates to file sexual assault/rape reports to help lower the number of rapes and violent attacks behind bars.

---

About JPay

At JPay, we know that the corrections process can be challenging, whether you are dealing with the absence of an incarcerated friend or family member or feeling the pressure of making your next restitution or supervision payment. By providing convenient, relevant services and building strong customer relationships, we hope we can make it a little easier.

JPay is committed to helping friends and family of inmates stay connected to their incarcerated loved ones through a variety of corrections-related services offered in more than 30 states across the country, as well as to providing the quickest and most reliable payment options for individuals in community corrections. With the fastest and most secure way to send money; convenient and function-rich inmate email; innovative video visitation and music options; and parole, probation and post-release services, JPay is the most trusted name in corrections.

Throughout our 9-year history we have prided ourselves on excellent customer service. Our dedicated team of service professionals provides round-the-clock assistance to both the friends and relatives of inmates as well as to parolees, probationers and others making community corrections payments.

Seems pretty cut and dry to me
---

The Admiral posted...

Balrog0 posted...

and I also wonder why this private company is doing it

My guess is that they're going to monetize this buy selling digital goods to the prisoners, but it's unclear. They're not doing this as a kind gesture.

You know, theres no reason it cant ever be both.
---

who needs any access to employment or credit for the rest of your life when you can get a FREE IPAD!!!1
---

Tyranthraxus posted...

That's not even a remotely fair trade

treating prisoners with humanity is a no-no for tc

just look at the topic title
---