Napa County Jail Provides Inmates Learning Tablets

News from the County of Napa:

Jail finds innovative ways to promote inmate educational programming.

By March 2015, inmates in the Napa County Jail will experience a new method of educational and rehabilitative programming through a pilot program offered by the Napa County Department of Corrections in partnership with Jail Education Solutions.

Through the use of portable, electronic tablets, inmates can access a wide range of customized materials suitable for a correctional environment. The county will pay $2 per tablet per day for 75 tablets.

“We must innovate and be leaders in how we deliver programs and services to inmates,” said Corrections Director Lenard Vare. “We believe the tablet program will offer an incentive for positive behavior and change.”

The tablets provide cognitive behavioral training, basic education curriculum, vocational training, GED lessons, and a substantial library of books, films, motivational videos, religious materials, and games that promote positive decision-making skills. The tablets function in a “sandbox” environment, which means they only work on a dedicated, secure network in which program administrators select all content. Once the tablets leave the facility, they stop working. By design, they can never access the Internet.

Inmates are also optimistic about the benefits the tablets will bring. One inmate said, “Tablet education will prepare inmates for improving their lives. Unlimited access to books results in endless possibilities for a positive life.” Another inmate added, “I see a lot of potential with using tablets such as preparing for job searches and earning college credit.”

The Board of Supervisors and staff of Napa County are dedicated to preserving and sustaining Napa County for present and future generations as a community with generous open space, a thriving agricultural industry and a quality human and natural environment. Visit us on the Web atwww.countyofnapa.org.

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