[NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:694] Re: Technology in a Detention Center

From: Michael Cain (M.Cain@worldnet.att.net)
Date: Thu Aug 05 1999 - 11:01:22 EDT


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From: Michael Cain <M.Cain@worldnet.att.net>
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Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:694] Re: Technology in a Detention Center
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I teach basic skills in a state prison. This is a lot different than a
detention center. However, I think that there are some common problems.

We do not have any computers in open areas. They are linked in a LAN and in
a classroom.

You didn't specify whether the computers were IBM compatibles or Macs, or
what type of cpu, or what kind of software is already installed.

Without that information, I can make only general suggestions.

My first suggestion is to install some security software. Second, I would
make sure that the computers are supervised. Third, I would work out exactly
what the goals are for what the inmates are to learn.

As for security software, we use Fortres. This allows a great deal of
flexibilty in allowing access.

Since the computers have already been put into the housing units, you are
going to have a maintenance job of great proportions ahead of you.

The training should be in the form of classes. For the beginners, you could
have computer literacy. For those who have used computers, you could offer
classes in the use of off-the shelf applications, such as MS-Word, etc.

Good luck.

Misha Cain
Monroe Correctional Complex/WSRU

Cindi Riley wrote:

> I am looking for information on technology programs in local detention
> centers.  We have had a literacy program in our detention center for a
> number of years, staffed by 3 volunteers who teach once a week.  Just
> recently, the detention center upgraded their office computers and
> decided to keep the old ones for inmate use.  Two will be housed in the
> library and the rest are already in the commons areas of inmate
> housing.  I would like to talk to anyone who has done anything like this
> before or who has any suggestions regarding the best use of these
> computers.  We need suggestions for software and training.  We have
> already decided to train the inmate representatives on computer use.
> That really should have been done before the computers were placed in
> the housing units, but someone jumped the gun on that one.
>
> If anyone has any suggestions, please let me hear from you.



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