Tablets for Inmates

Published March 27, 2017 4:54pm ET



Who knew criminal justice reform would come with iPad knockoffs? The Hoosier state’s department of corrections has proposed putting computer tablets “in every Indiana inmate’s hands,” the Indianapolis Star reports. The electronic devices will come with the potential to access self-help materials, menus from the chow hall—and fun and games.

As in several other states that make tablet computers available to felons, officials “expect to use entertainment to reward good behavior,” the Star writes. “For example, an offender could be encouraged to stop racking up conduct reports in order to play more games.” Prison being, in terms of trapped tedium, not unlike a long family car trip, the devices are appealing to the warden for the same reason Mom gives the kids the iPad in the minivan—pacification. The marketing slogan for one company selling electronics tailored for convicts is “Busy inmates are well-behaved inmates.” Or, one might just as well say to those in lockup: Don’t get angry—get Angry Birds.

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