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"The JP5 family of tablets are the next generation of corrections-grade tablet computing. Having one of these tablets helps your loved ones pass the time, keep engaged and stay connected to you. All JP5 tablets work in conjunction with the JPay kiosks installed in common spaces or living units. Your loved ones can sync their JP5 tablet with the kiosk to as well as preview, purchase and download songs and other media content. In some locations, JP5 tablets may be WiFi-enabled for sending/receiving email and pre-ordering stamps and other media content."
The device is contained within a clear plastic shell so you can be sure nothing is smuggled inside the tablet. It is also said to be allowed because the rare instance of using the device as a weapon would be cause to remove the device and then no more entertainment.
The article goes on to say;
"In some locations, the JP5mini is replacing the old JP4 device, which is being discontinued. Depending on the facility, you may have the opportunity to upgrade to the JP5. While existing JP4 devices will continue to work, we encourage you to upgrade to the JP5 family. You will receive additional communication if this is applicable in your loved one's location.
What can they do with a JP5 tablet*?
Listen to music
Read and write emails
Play games they have purchased
View photos and videos
Access educational materials
*Apps, capabilities and service availability vary by location
Universal Features & benefits Touchscreen and portable Simple to use and easy to understand Includes FM Radio, calculator, notepad, stopwatch and other apps
Rugged device made for use in corrections Includes accessories like earbuds, screen protector and batteries or
charger Two distinct models of the JP5 are available in various locations: the JP5mini and the JP5s. Remember, not every model is available in every location. Here are some of the unique features of each:"
"Proponents say allowing inmates to use tablets will help reintegrate
them into society and keep them from returning to jail."
"The only hitch: Everything comes at a cost, including emails, which
require a paid virtual "stamp" to go through to recipients. Stamp
pricing varies depending on the prison, but each one goes for about the
same cost as a physical stamp. At the Texas Department of Criminal
Justice's Byrd Unit, for example, 20 stamps go for $9.80, while 40 can
be had for $19.60.
Electronic money deposits also come at a price. The cost of sending
between $100 and $199.99 at the Byrd Unit: $10.45."
"An extensive investigation in 2014 by The Center for Public Integrity
accused the company of gouging inmates' families with unreasonable fees
for its electronic money transfers. (JPay cut its fees for sending money
to inmates after the investigation came out.)
The CPI investigation also condemned JPay for unfair practices in its
music download and tablet businesses. Inmates in Ohio told CPI that the
state takes away inmate-owned radios when music players and tablets go
on sale. At the same time, JPay's songs can cost 30% to 50% more than
they would on iTunes.
When I first spoke to Shapiro, not long after the CPI investigation was
released, he brushed it off."
"Aside from prisoners, the business has another beneficiary: state
coffers. In return for doing business, JPay gives the state a cut of its
revenue. For example, if JPay charges $3 for a money transfer, the state
might get 50 cents, depending on each individual agreement. (The company
charges $1.45 to $24.95 per transfer, depending on the amount of money
sent.)"
LINK .pdf
"Dear Ms. Jackson,
The Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC) submits this letter in response
to a comment by JPay Inc. (JPay), dated May 27, 2015, which posted to the CFPB docket on June
3, 2015 – more than two months following closure of the comment period on proposed
rulemaking to amend 12 C.F.R. Part 1005 (Regulation E).
In addition to the extreme untimeliness of JPay’s filing, information contained in the company’s ex-parte submission is not consistent with the terms of their contracts with correctional agencies, as explained below in greater detail. Further, a recent significant development was not mentioned by JPay. On July 31, 2015, JPay was purchased by Securus Technologies for $250 million. Securus is a prison telecom company owned by ABRY Partners, a private equity hedge fund, that pays correctional agencies millions of dollars in “commission” kickbacks in exchange for monopoly phone contracts. Consumers seeking to communicate with imprisoned loved ones have no choice but to pay extortionate and outrageous rates for telephone communication with prisoners."
the settlement includes a stipulation by both parties that there was “no evidence of intentional misconduct” by Securus or its codefendants. Securus will pay $20,000 in attorney fees to the plaintiffs and Travis County will pay $800 in mediation fees."
originally posted by: Snarl
That's a great OP.
The only comments of my own I would add: I don't care if the inmates are getting gouged. They cost me enough as a taxpayer already. I would have to question why anyone is doing anything to complicate the time they're serving or the jobs of the people who have to watch them.