Inmates Now Get Educational Tablets In Kendall County

YORKVILLE, IL — The Kendall County Sheriff's Office has announced a new program aimed at helping inmates become successful now and in the future through the use of educational tablets. Officials said the SecureView tablets are being provided by Securus Technologies at no cost to taxpayers. The sheriff's office's commissary program is funding the technology, which includes applications including a phone, education, mental health, law library and job search.

The sheriff's office said officials wanted to provide productive activities for inmates that would keep them focused on positive goals as opposed to not being engaged and feeling negative about being in jail.

Sheriff Dwight Baird said he feels hopeful the tablet program will improve the jail in several ways:

• A decrease in violence and tension
• Less disruption means decreased risk for deputies and the incarcerated
• Constructive activity can help expedite reentry

"The tablets will allow inmates in Kendall County to begin planning for re-integration into society by searching for jobs and accessing mental health information. Another benefit is that the tablets encourage good behavior," Baird said.

The sheriff's office chose the Securus Technologies SecureView Tablet because of features that allow inmates to work on personal rehabilitation while serving their sentences. But risk is decreased because the tablets do not offer access to:

• Internet
• Social media
• Camera
• Video recordings

"Our efforts aim to have a positive effect and create a safer environment for our deputies, staff
and inmates," Baird said.

All content on the tablet is approved by the facility and includes entertainment options such as podcasts, music and games.

The tablets are considered a privilege for inmates. Baird said he feels hopeful that the program will reduce recidivism rates by allowing inmates to improve themselves as they get ready for their release.

The tablets provide opportunities for inmates to stay connected to their family, friends and the outside world as well as prepare for reentry into the community, the sheriff's office said. According to officials, studies show a link between inmates maintaining relationships with their loved ones while incarcerated and reduced recidivism.

"Access to this new technology will help inmates rehabilitate themselves by giving them tools to
advance their education, connect with family and prepare them for life in the tech-saturated
world upon their release," Baird said.