The Sheridan Detention Center has been given 40 tablets from the company that the center uses for its inmate phone service.
According to the Sheridan Headlight newspaper, the tablets were provided at no cost and contain more than 2,000 educational courses and books, including pre-GED, computer programing, auto mechanics, drug abuse help, anger and stress management.
Jail administrator Everette Wilkerson told the newspaper the tablets are controlled and not open to the public. They also have no internet connection and work on a closed network. They can also be used for video visits, which must be approved and are monitored by jail staff, recorded and kept in a secure location. Video visits were previously done in kiosk at the jail.
The newspaper reported that revenue from the tablets and phone calls will benefit the detention center with 50 percent of the cost of phone calls and 20 percent of the cost of video visits going to the center.
The 40 tablets are on a trial run and if it proves successful, the company will provide 40 more to the detention center.
