CRISP COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - The Crisp County Detention Center and Pay Tel Communications have partnered together to give almost every inmate an electronic tablet.

These tablets come loaded with over 1,000 courses, including 167 GED courses and even personal development classes like the 12-step recovery program. Inmates also have access to an online library and a law library.

“Helping the inmates with their education will hopefully cut down the reincarceration rates. Hopefully, it will help them learn how to deal with their anger better and learn how to deal with their substance abuse better. It will get them their GED, which can help them get jobs. It’s all about bettering the community,” said Lt. Corey Kennedy.

After an inmate completes a course, they are rewarded with credits that can be redeemed for games, movies, and communication with family members. All of this is through their tablet which is monitored by the jail.

“When you’re back there in the jail, it can seem isolating, and you may feel like nobody in the world cares about you. So being in contact with your family definitely helps,” continued Lt. Kennedy.

Lieutenant Corey Kennedy and Sheriff Billy Hancock have been developing this program for the past year. Their goal was that these tablets would provide inmates with equal opportunities and create a safer jail experience for everyone involved.

“It helps us greatly with eliminating inmate assaults or officer assaults because it’s a big deterrent. It stops the inmates from acting out because they don’t want to lose that privilege,” said Kennedy.

As of now, seven inmates have completed all 167 GED courses, totaling 749 hours of learning. Two of those inmates are interested in sitting for the GED Exam.

“It works for our county. Whether or not it would work for another county, I can’t say with 100% certainty. But I do recommend at least trying it, at least, because it has definitely helped,” said Kennedy.

Lt. Kennedy tells WALB that since the tablets were introduced one month ago, he has heard nothing but positive feedback from the inmates.

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