NCJ Number
198625
Date Published
April 1999
Length
53 pages
Annotation
This document discusses the issue of prisoners being allowed access to any interactive computer service.
Abstract
Interactive computer service is defined as any computer resources that facilitate direct or indirect communications between inmates and external individuals or entities outside a controlled correctional environment and supervision, such as the Internet, World Wide Web, and chat rooms. A written survey was distributed to State departments of corrections (DOCs). Results were obtained from all 50 States and the District of Columbia. The study found that DOCs in two States -- South Carolina and Washington -- reported that inmates had access to interactive computer systems. A small number of inmates had controlled access to interactive systems in work settings in each of these DOCs. Half of the DOCs indicated that their agencies had placed some type of restriction on inmates’ access to interactive computer systems. At least nine agencies have policies restricting or prohibiting inmate access to computers with telephone, modem, or Internet connections. The Minnesota DOC was the only agency to report that a State legislature had passed legislation addressing inmates’ access to interactive computer systems. Bills had been introduced in other States but either were unsuccessful or were pending action. Correctional agencies are well aware of the security risks that interactive computer systems can pose if access is not carefully managed. Agencies are particularly concerned with the issue of inmate access to such systems. They are using prudent measures to control inmates’ access. The reason more DOCs did not cite related policies might be due to the relative recency of these technologies’ use at an operational level in prisons. There is interest in providing inmates access to interactive technologies for educational, work, and other purposes. These methods will need to meet the most rigorous standards of correctional management. Appendix