News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 13, 2022

DOC officially launches new tablet program for all people in custody

Program Represents Largest Expansion of Phone Accessibility in DOC History

East Elmhurst, NY - DOC is pleased to announce that we have begun to roll out new tablets for people in custody. Partnering with an existing vendor, Securus Technologies, the goal of the new tablet program is to reduce idleness, increase engagement with programs and services, and provide more opportunities for people in custody to connect with loved ones in the community and maintain vital support networks. In addition, for the first time, people in custody can make free phone calls from their tablets, which will be the largest expansion of phone accessibility to the population. Detainees will continue to have access to landline phones in their housing unit and all phone calls will remain free, in accordance with existing departmental detainee phone policies.

These new tablets will also have access to a robust variety of programming and services at no cost, such as but not limited to:

Educational services,
Digital law library,
Library of e-books,
Timely departmental messages and notifications,
Access to AM/FM radio stations,
24/7 accessibility (charging stations will be available in all Housing area A-stations).

“It’s always an exciting moment when our department leverages technology, for the staff or people in custody, and moves this department forward”, said DOC Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “These tablets will provide valuable and educational services and increase family engagement so people in custody can communicate with their loved ones from anywhere in the housing unit using the tablet and not have to wait for an available phone.”

The tablets were first distributed to detainees at the George R. Vierno Center (GRVC) in November and then at the Rose M. Singer Center (RMSC) earlier this month. Full implementation of the program at all facilities is expected in early 2023. Every person who comes into our custody will be issued a tablet after they clear the new admission process. Tablets are assigned to the individual and they can carry them if they are transferred to another housing unit or facility. Once the tablet program has been fully implemented, the department will explore expanding additional programs and services.

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The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment while providing individuals in our care with a path to successfully re-enter their communities.