Tablets

For the IDOC, preparing incarcerated individuals for re-entry to society begins on day one. Expansion of existing technology into the daily activities of the incarcerated population will familiarize them with the various ways technology is a part of the daily activities of those living in the 21st century.

Tablets are just one of the many technological advancements the IDOC utilizes along with smart boards and closed-circuit televisions to provide educational, therapeutic and vocational services to our population. It is critical that we prepare individuals for a successful re-entry, helping them to adapt and improve themselves so that they may become functioning and contributing members of the community.

Tablets are not mandatory and IDOC will continue to provide educational, therapeutic and vocational materials directly to incarcerated individuals without the necessity of excessive paperwork, increased administrative cost or frequent labor-intensive incarcerated movement. All of this is done within a secure, closed network that prevents access to the internet.

How it works

Each incarcerated individual can sign in to a tablet to view their account profile and services available at the facility. Using supplied headphones, individuals may also use the tablet to place phone calls rather than using the traditional wall-mounted phones.

• Tablets are offered with Spanish language capabilities.
• Incarcerated individual will have the ability to communicate with facility staff, thereby reducing response time and paper usage.
• Incarcerated individual will have the ability to access eBooks, music, movies and phone access.
• Tablets will be assigned to an offender at each facility but remain the property of the state.
• Incarcerated individual will have the same ID number and phone pin for the tablet and kiosk.

Subscriptions

Free services are already available for use on the device. Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an incarcerated individual's Debit Link account.

• Streaming Music - Incarcerated individual can choose from 12 million+ different music tracks in various music categories. Starting at $7.99 for 7 days
• E-Books - For reading buffs, over 70,000+ titles are offered in many different literary genres. Starting at $1.99 for 7 days
• Game Center - Your loved one can pass the time engaging with puzzles or action, sports, and brain-challenging games. Starting at $2.49 for 7 days
• Newsfeed - Access to breaking news and hot topics from the most popular news sites will keep your incarcerated individual informed. Starting at $3.99 for 7 days
• FM Radio - Access to radio channels from local FM stations to stay connected with the community. No Charge
• TV Audio - Real-time audio from broadcasted television can keep your loved one entertained for hours. No Charge *Available only with Music Subscription

Additional Information

• Incarcerated Individuals will be held responsible for intentionally lost or damaged tablets or accessories.
• Incarcerated Individuals cannot connect to the internet. The tablets operate on a separate intranet. Incarcerated Individuals cannot access Facebook, Twitter, social media, or any other webpage.
• Incarcerated Individuals cannot message another incarcerated individuals. Messaging is a privilege, and is restricted to designated recipients.
• If restricted from any service, it will be applied both kiosks and tablets. Incarcerated Individuals may be provided a paper forms for ordering Commissary.
• Photos and emails residing on the current system will not be transferable to the new messaging system.

Ways to Pay

Tablet devices include some services and the content is free. The subscription services require additional funding. There may be multiple options such as 7-day or 30-day subscriptions. Costs are dependent upon the available services and the facility.

Phone calls made from the tablets and messages sent to/from the tablets are charged at the rates set by the facility. To estimate costs for phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” at the bottom of the page.

For more information about payment methods please view our ViaPath Resource page.