Most offenders at Missouri’s prisons have ordered electronic tablets that they can buy educational materials, music, movies, and games for.
State Department of Corrections Director Anne Precythe tells Missourinet that the devices will be used as an incentive and a consequence.
Precythe says the tablets do not have cameras or outside internet access, but offenders can email, for a fee, through a closely-monitored system.
The department is also working on a tablet-based college program.
The Missouri prison system has been dealing with a possible record 800 correctional officer vacancies – leading to safety issues within the prison walls.
Other states have reported the tablets have helped to drastically reduce the number of assaults in prison.
