Inmates at the Dallas County Jail received computer tablets this week. The tablet initiative is one of Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown’s efforts to help the inmates successfully return to society. CBS 11 News reports that Sheriff Brown believes the tablets will ultimately help improve morale, security, and education in the Dallas County jail.
According to CBS 11, the office of the Dallas County Sheriff said in a news release that the computer tablets offer people in jail access to digital communication and media services. It also gives them access to reentry and education resources.
The Sheriff also said that the tablets are specifically designed for the incarcerated population within their Dallas County jail or prison, ensuring security.
According to CBS 11, the tablets are preloaded with different applications for education to help the inmates with personal development, rehabilitation, job placement, and limited communication with family and friends. Inmates are also allowed to indulge in some entertainment.
With the applications that can be accessed with the tablets, authorities hope that detainees will use their time productively and that infractions can be reduced.
The tablets are designed to connect to a secure private network in the Dallas County Jail. Through the security measures, inmates cannot access the internet but can exchange electronic messages with loved ones through an approved account.
“Until now, an inmate’s connection with the outside world was limited to phone calls, mail, and in-person visitation,” said Sheriff Brown in a statement, as reported by CBS 11. Brown further explained that the restriction that came with the COVID-19 pandemic made authorities consider the tablets offered by Securus Technologies. “We are confident the tablets will benefit incarcerated individuals while also creating a safer correctional community overall,” the Sheriff said.
