Some Philly inmates will get limited Internet access
An inmate rests his arms outside his cell as a corrections officer does a cell check. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo, file)
Philadelphia is launching a program to fight the digital divide in an unlikely place.
Starting this spring, city officials are planning to provide Internet access to inmates in a classroomlike setting at six jails. They can only log onto approved sites and will be under close supervision, however.
Prisons Commissioner Louis Giorla said many inmates are computer-illiterate and the program will help them obtain vital skills. He said prisoners will use the Internet to apply for jobs and, if all goes according to plan, access Web-based education services.
“The thinking is this — that recidivism is reduced when the inmates take part in programming,” he said. “For instance, our inmates who obtain a GED, their recidivism is about 10 to 15 percent lower than our recidivism in general.”
Giorla emphasizes that no taxpayer dollars will be used to fund the initiative.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
