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Video Prison Visits Bring Inmates Home

Pioneering program lets loved ones visit jail without leaving home

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 2, 2009 8:59 AM CDT
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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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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Fondue
Jul 2, 2009 6:11 AM CDT
All pretty much bad ideas. What would any of those ideas accomplish?
doingtherightthing
Jul 2, 2009 5:32 AM CDT
The trolls have it made alright. I'm in favor of chain gangs without pay. I'm in favor of harassing the prisoners day and night. We need to bring back dungeons. Yep, put them on the rack if they get out of line........no parole everybody serves there time without the goodies......
Fondue
Jul 2, 2009 3:14 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.
US • Health • Technology

 
prison • Indiana • video • video conferencing • inmates • prisoner • webcam • women's issues • JPay

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