Federal inmates could soon have their own tablets in prison
The BOP hailed the contract as a better way for inmates to connect.
Inmates in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons could soon have tablets to help with education coursework and rehab programs.
The "landmark" tablet service contract will "modernize" the custody of inmates, according to a news release from the BOP.
The devices will help inmates connect better through phone and video calls, as well as better access to faith-based services, the bureau said.
"Our first priority is the safety of our staff and the security of our institutions," BOP Director William K. Marshall III said in the release. "This contract modernizes outdated operations, reduces administrative burdens, and allows staff to focus on the critical work of maintaining safe facilities while expanding opportunities for rehabilitation and successful reentry."
The devices will be available to "all individuals in BOP custody, providing access to a wide range of tools and resources that support successful reentry and strengthen family connections," according to the BOP.
The rollout of tablets will occur in phases and with "strict" oversight from BOP staff.
There are currently more than 153,000 federal inmates, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
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