W.Va. Inmates May Gain iPad and Tablet Access

Officials say West Virginia jail inmates could soon have access to Apple iPads and other digital tablets.

The Charleston Daily Mail reports that state jails director David Farmer said Monday that while discussions for the idea are very early on, state officials may consider allowing inmates to purchase or lease iPads and Android-based tablets with their commissary money.

Farmer told the Regional Jail Authority board that doing so could improve the quality of life behind bars and decrease altercations between troublesome inmates. He also says that introducing tablets could benefit the authority and inmates by generating revenue and providing extended access to online law libraries, GED classes and other rehabilitative resources.

Prisons in at least seven states grant such access, albeit on stripped-down devices that have limited Internet access.