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Jails Are Replacing Visits With Video Calls (arstechnica.com)
An anonymous reader shares a report: In recent years, more and more jails have introduced video-calling services. Theoretically, these products could make it easier for inmates to maintain their relationships with family and friends outside. But many jails have moved in the opposite direction, using the advent of these "video visitation" services as an excuse to restrict or eliminate traditional in-person visits.
There are a number of reasons jail administrators have gone this route. But critics say that money plays a big role. In-person visitation requires more staff supervision -- both to escort inmates to and from visitation rooms and to make sure no contraband changes hands during a visit. So switching to video visitation can save cash-strapped jails money.
But jails also profit more directly from limiting in-person visits. While on-site video visits are usually free, the companies providing the system generally offer a paid off-site video-calling service, too. And jails get a hefty percentage of that money.
There are a number of reasons jail administrators have gone this route. But critics say that money plays a big role. In-person visitation requires more staff supervision -- both to escort inmates to and from visitation rooms and to make sure no contraband changes hands during a visit. So switching to video visitation can save cash-strapped jails money.
But jails also profit more directly from limiting in-person visits. While on-site video visits are usually free, the companies providing the system generally offer a paid off-site video-calling service, too. And jails get a hefty percentage of that money.
This is how most people will react:
1) They did the crime, they should be able to do the time.
2) They did the crime, they should be able to do the time.
3) They did the crime, they should be able to do the time.
4) They did the crime, they should be able to do the time.
People do not realize that not all that are in prison are harcore criminals. At least not the first time they went in. And as long as the prisons keep making money and are for-profit, why should they care? It is so much easier to turn a blind eye and say that these are not our problems and just be even tougher on those who get out, so they are put away and we can sleep knowing we have done what we could.
Oh and if they are in prison, rape is ok, because it is funny, right?
I absolutely understand those high risk car chases in the US. If I am in Europe and they catch me, I will get perhaps a year and I can start to get a new life. In the US, my life is over. I have nothing to loose, so why not risk it all in the off chance that it works.
Don't fight for your country, if your country does not fight for you.
It is, and continues to be ridiculous how expensive phone calls to prison are. For something that so clearly has a strong tie to improving prisoner behavior it should be encouraged and probably free.
In a bit of shameless internet panhandling, I accept Litecoin Donations at Lbd2oH9QsthD1GfuUXPyka12YxvWJYnBVf