The Future Of Texas Prisons: More Tablets For Inmates

The Texas Tribune reports that since 2021, the Texas Department Of Corrections has changed how prisoners can use special tablets to contact the outside world. In the past, the inmates had few options, but now they have tablets that they use through TDCJ.

TDCJ officials said the devices make it easier for state inmates to communicate with loved ones, reduce contraband entering prisons through physical mail, and give them access to digital books and entertainment—all on a secure network.

These devices have risen nationwide and even in some of Texas’ county jails. Research has found that connecting with their families is one of the most effective ways to rehabilitate incarcerated people and reduce recidivism.

The devices have undoubtedly improved communication between inmates and their families and friends. The devices, which look like iPads but do not provide access to the internet, are usually given to inmates for free and include some free materials, such as religious texts, a law library, and self-help resources. 

To make phone calls, send electronic messages to loved ones, and access entertainment through music, movies, and television shows, though incarcerated people or their loved ones incur fees.

Those fees vary dramatically across the state and are higher than the cost of making a phone call or sending an email in the free world. The tablets are also loaded with free games and motivational videos highlighting certain inmates who have taken advantage of the facility’s rehabilitation programs.

In 2021, TDCJ began freely issuing tablets to prison inmates. These tablets allowed inmates to make phone calls instead of waiting for a phone to become available.

The program has its critics. They say the cost of extras like phone calls and renting movies or other apps needs to be lowered for people who cannot afford them.