politics
Federal Bureau of Prisons Awards Contract for Inmate Tablets
The Federal Bureau of Prisons announced a phased rollout of secure tablets that will provide messaging, video calls, education, and job training. The program replaces paper forms and will operate under security protocols. The announcement follows congressional scrutiny of similar devices in California state prisons.
Jul 8, 3:20 PM·1m read1 source
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The tablets will allow messaging and video calls with approved contacts, plus access to educational courses, job-readiness training, faith-based resources, and health information. They will also digitize commissary orders, inmate request forms, and program registrations.
"These devices will empower inmates with improved communication channels, including secure messaging and video services, helping them maintain healthy relationships with loved ones, an essential factor proven to reduce recidivism," the Bureau of Prisons wrote.
Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III said the contract modernizes operations and reduces administrative burdens while maintaining safety priorities. The rollout will occur in phases with strict security protocols and oversight. The announcement follows an investigation by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform into California's state-issued tablet program.
Lawmakers cited reports that inmates used the devices to access pornography and sexually exploit women and minors. At least 48 prison systems nationwide have implemented inmate tablet systems, according to a 2024 report from the Prison Policy Initiative.
