Randall County Jail has made a significant technological leap by introducing tablets to its inmate population, thanks to a new contract with NCIC Inmate Communications. Starting in December 2024, these devices have revolutionized how inmates communicate, learn, and stay connected with the outside world.
Empowering Through Education
The tablets offer more than just a way to pass the time; they serve as a platform for self-improvement. Inmates now have access to educational programs tailored to various needs, including substance abuse recovery, parenting skills, and self-help courses.
“Educational programs for substance abuse, any type of substance abuse whether it's drugs or alcohol,” said Captain Matt Stockstill, Randall County Jail Administrator. “There’s parenting skills. There are a number of self-help-type instructions on the educational portion of these tablets. The unique thing is that every class that they complete gives them credits that they can use to be able to purchase movies or music time.”
This innovative approach incentivizes inmates to engage with educational material while allowing them to earn entertainment privileges.
Enhanced Communication Tools
The tablets also streamline communication between inmates and their families. Inmates can now receive and manage their mail electronically, making it easier to store and revisit correspondence.
“It opens up new avenues of communication with the inmate and their loved ones and friends on the outside,” Cpt. Stockstill explained. “I think it will be easier for the inmate to keep track of that mail and to be able to go through it and archive it so they can go back and read it over and over again. I just think that it’s going to really kind of put the inmates at peace and set their minds a little bit at ease with being able to communicate these different ways.”
Inmates can also access visitations through their tablets, providing more flexibility and convenience for both inmates and their families.
A Tablet for Every Inmate
One of the standout features of the program is the one-to-one ratio of tablets to inmates. Each person processed into the facility is assigned a tablet upon being housed in their cell.
“When someone gets processed in, when they are housed in, when they are assigned to a cell, they will also be assigned to a tablet,” Cpt. Stockstill said.
Legal and medical mail will continue to be delivered in paper form, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with regulations. All other mail is now processed and scanned in Longview, Texas, before being made accessible on the tablets.
Mail for inmates must now be sent in the following format:
Inmate Name
SO#
Randall County Jail
PO BOX 591
Longview, Texas 75606
How Families Can Stay Connected
Friends and family members can set up and fund a pre-paid account to support inmate communication. To do so, they can call 1-800-943-2189 or visit www.ncic.com.
Looking Ahead
This initiative marks a forward-thinking shift for Randall County Jail, aligning with trends in correctional facilities nationwide to provide inmates with tools for rehabilitation and better connectivity. By integrating education, communication, and entertainment into one device, the jail aims to foster an environment that encourages personal growth and strengthens ties with loved ones, ultimately preparing inmates for a smoother transition back into society.
