Communication for Rehabilitation

Communication is essential, especially communication between loved ones. A pivotal part of rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals is providing them tablets with communication resources because it allows them to stay engaged with their support network. Inmates can contact their loved ones via secure and monitored phone, video, and e-messages. Just like video chat and messaging tools on the outside, inmates now have instant face-to-face or e-message conversations with their friends and family, strengthening that bond to help with their post-release life. All this can still be done while maintaining the safety of the correctional facilities and staff. After a pilot program at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Babby and Dumalig believe that the tablets can help increase communication between the incarcerated and their loved ones, which can help foster relationships that prevent them from returning. (Babby & Dumalig, 2021) The tablet can be a tremendous operational tool to help facilities become efficient and secure. From an operational standpoint, having a phone app on the tablets now allows access to more incarcerated individuals to connect with their loved ones. Whereas, with wall phones, you could have limited availability and possible fights due to phone availability. Additionally, from a secure standpoint, the tablet has helped places like Pima County reduce suicide rates, inmate-to-inmate assaults, and staff assaults. (Peters, 2018) While in Minnesota, they have seen a drop in violations thanks to the regular communication the tablet allows inmates to have with their loved ones. Tablets take a burden off staff and enable inmates to gain a sense of self-control, which will benefit them once released. In short, communication resources on tablets can help inmates stay connected with their loved ones and support networks while also aiding in their overall rehabilitation process.

Reducing Recidivism with Education

Providing incarcerated individuals tablets with access to educational resources is necessary because it reduces recidivism. Many states work collaboratively to provide reentry tools to those incarcerated, even pre-release individuals. (Toler & Boone, 2022) Many states agree that reducing recidivism benefits society by decreasing crime rates, reducing criminal justice rates, keeping families together, and keeping communities safe. The government has also done its part by sponsoring workforce development incentives for companies hiring formerly convicted individuals. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections has recently implemented tablets at their facilities to reduce recidivism. These tablets offer free educational resources, reentry resources, and other secure tools. Scott Crow, the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, is confident that these tools will help maintain a safe, secure environment and ultimately help those individuals soon to be released. (Tablets to be provided to incarcerated inmates in new partnership between Oklahoma Department of Corrections and Securus Technologies, 2021)

Additionally, incarcerated individuals have access to resources such as secondary and higher education, GED, and vocational training, which will help them acquire skills that will aid them