by Jonathan Weaver
Armstrong County Jail inmates will have an easier way to read the rulebook, review their financial accounts or order commissary items later this month.
Armstrong County Jail Warden Phillip Shaffer looks forward to the computer kiosks being online in each housing unit next week.
As Warden Phillip Shaffer told prison board members – including County Commissioners Pat Fabian and Jason Renshaw and Sheriff Bill Rupert – yesterday, kiosk training from the Keefe group will begin with corrections officers and staff next week.
“It’s an instrument they can use – a computer attached to the wall – where they can order through the commissary instead of (corrections officials performing such) through the phone or by paper,” Warden Shaffer said. “It’s going to save a lot of work and its really convenient for the inmates to use.
“They’re already in here – everything’s hooked up – it’s just the computer part and the commissary part that is going to be starting up,” Warden Shaffer added. “Technically, it’s supposed to be the 16th when we go live. Anything we want to put in there, we can put in there, but we’re going to do at least those two items at the start here.”
A kiosk will be available in each unit of 16 inmates.
“I’m excited about it - its a big plus,” Warden Shaffer said.
Additional options to be considered in the future include emailing and video conferencing in each block of inmates.
Warden Shaffer added that the profit margin about doubles with the Keefe Group, for similar services. The kiosks came as a benefit free of charge with the new contract.