On April 29, 2022, the Humboldt County Detention Center released the inmate computer tablet program.
The tablets are provided by contract through Securus Technologies at no cost to the Sheriff’s Office or tax payers.
This project has been in the works for over two years working with Securus Technologies.
The Detention center was set for launch of the tablets prior to the Covid pandemic, which set it back another year due to electronic manufacturing.
Each inmate received a tablet at the time of the program release. The tablets are issued and collected on a daily basis.
The devices contain instructional documents and videos on items such as vocational training, life skills, job search and preparation, addition recovery, mental health, religious resources, and parenting and family courses.
For a monthly subscription fee, inmates can also access movies, music, games, e-books, messaging and audio calls.
With the programming available on the tablets, it will help reduce recidivism and help prepare incarcerated individuals for their release.
The devices are on a secure and controlled network provided through Securus Technologies and will not have internet access.
The tablets should make the facility quieter and safer as users are occupied with the devices instead of causing problems.
The devices can be used as an incentive for positive behavior. The devices can be removed from those who are under disciplinary action.
As with all other communication, deputies will monitor the tablets use through “depute tablets.” All incoming and outgoing communication has to be approved by deputies to ensure the safety and security of the detention center.
In a comment about this program, Sheriff Mike Allen said, “Once again, Captain Lininger and his staff have developed and implemented a program within the jail to help promote positive outcomes with inmates who are incarcerated at the Humboldt County Detention Center.”