NCJ Number
193344
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 52 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2001 Pages: 163-165
Date Published
December 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses security concerns that can prevent or limit the use of Internet-based learning in correctional education programs for incarcerated youth.
Abstract
The authors visited a new correctional education program in New York and learned that the program was not using the advanced technology available in its distance-learning laboratory. The staff noted problems encountered at this facility and others. These included the use of the Internet by gang members to socialize or plan outside criminal activity, conflict over the Internet by rival gang members, crime partners sending and receiving messages regarding the court case or intimidation of prosecution witnesses, intimidation of the co-defendant, and victim and perpetrator enrollment in the same class. Correctional authorities also envisioned inmates contacting hate groups, ordering contraband, downloading formulas for making bombs from kitchen chemicals, and printing multiple copies of pornographic photographs. Nevertheless, the analysis indicated options that might allow for the regulated use of the Internet in some settings. These include using the imperfect but useful software filters that prevent access to unsavory web sites, ensuring close staff supervision of Internet use by students, making future Internet use contingent on appropriate use in previous sessions, informing inmates of rules and restrictions before academic sessions, and focusing the camera only on the teacher in a distance-learning class. The analysis concluded that care, custody, and control must take precedence in correctional settings, but that advances in technology may someday allow inmates to have easy access to the Internet without violating security protocols or public safety. 11 references