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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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11

Video Prison Visits Bring Inmates Home

Pioneering program lets loved ones visit jail without leaving home

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(Newser) – Families can visit incarcerated relatives from the comfort of their living rooms through a first-of-its-kind program in Indiana, the AP reports. Visitors on the approved list are allowed to schedule video conferences with inmates from anywhere they choose. Prisoners use ATM-like machines set up and paid for by a private company; a 30-minute chat costs the prisoner $12.50. More facilities will install the system this year.

Prison officials say that besides allowing visits with relatives who live far away or are too ill to travel, the program makes life easier for guards. "They actually behave better here at the facility," one official says of prisoners permitted virtual family contact. And there's no chance of contraband slipping through. The system isn't without its kinks, however—several visitors and inmates have been banned from using it after officials monitoring the videos caught them exposing themselves.

Candace McCann, an inmate at the Rockville Correctional Facility in Rockville, Ind., talks to her aunt Margaret Earlywine via videolink at a prison kiosk.
Candace McCann, an inmate at the Rockville Correctional Facility in Rockville, Ind., talks to her aunt Margaret Earlywine via videolink at a prison kiosk.   (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Candace McCann, an inmate at the Rockville Correctional Facility in Rockville, Ind., talks to her aunt Margaret Earlywine from her prison unit via videolink.
Candace McCann, an inmate at the Rockville Correctional Facility in Rockville, Ind., talks to her aunt Margaret Earlywine from her prison unit via videolink.   (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
This photo shows the screen Candace McCann, an inmate at the Rockville Correctional Facility in Rockville, Ind., watches as she talks to her aunt from her prison unit.
This photo shows the screen Candace McCann, an inmate at the Rockville Correctional Facility in Rockville, Ind., watches as she talks to her aunt from her prison unit.   (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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11 comments
VIEWING:
 
Fondue
Jul 2, 09 9:45 AM CDT
Not sure how this thing works but, get rid of the keyboard and replace the 1970's telephone with speakers. You could then cuff the inmate to a bench somehow. Boom! No more prison pr0n. Reply
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-1
texasaurus
Jul 2, 09 9:53 AM CDT
Whatever happened to the concept that prison was a place for punishment? Cable TV, Workout rooms,computer access.. now this.. Reply
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-1
IN RESPONSE:
Fondue
Jul 2, 09 10:14 AM CDT
Exactly. I may be a lefty, but I'm not diggin' all the free shit criminals get - especially things like weight rooms which only make them more dangerous. Sure, do some push-ups, chin-ups, running etc. but I'll be damned if I give you equipment for free while my ass pays for my own.
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0
IN RESPONSE:
sameold
Jul 2, 09 10:11 PM CDT
You are absolutely incorrect in stating that Prison is a place for punishment. Prison itself is the punishment, being removed from society and locked in a cage everyday is a punishment. People in prison are still humans who should be allowed to communicate with their families and pass the time as the prison they live in sees fit.
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+2
IN RESPONSE:
anchower
Jul 2, 09 11:47 PM CDT
Exactly, sameold. Couldn't have said it better myself.
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+1

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