Whitmer aims to spend $41M to upgrade prison tech
Jillian Snider, the policy director of criminal justice and civil liberties at the free-market R Street Institute, said the reforms would likely reduce recidivism and help fill hundreds of MDOC vacancies.
MDOC is down about 770 officer positions and aims to be down by 400-500 vacancies.
Snider, a retired New York City Police officer, said the tablets could provide “a sense of control” over inmates’ lives, which will likely continue when they re-enter society.
“When you’re incarcerated, you don’t feel like you have any control over what’s happening to you,” Snider said.
Snider said over 92% of those in custody will be released, and tablets can keep inmates in touch with their support system.
“Studies have shown that individuals who are incarcerated – if they have regular contact with family and loved ones – it gives them a reason to succeed on the outside,” Snider said.
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