Watching TV is a fun way to spend your spare time when you are in the free world. But, when you are in the prison cell, can you still watch it? Apparently, each facility has its own rule whether the inmates can have and watch the TV or not. Read this entire text to find out the information.
Can Inmates Have the TV in Their Prison Cells?
The answer about whether the inmates can have the TV in their prison cells will vary depending on the rules of each facility. In several facilities, inmates are allowed to have a TV in their cells. And, the TV must be purchased through the prison commissary, a shop within the facility. But this is a privilege of the inmate. Usually, the inmates who have shown good behavior will have this privilege.
While in other facilities, inmates cannot have the TV in their prison cells. Usually, in high-security or more restrictive facilities, the inmates are not allowed to have personal TV because of concerns about security or potential for abuse. For inmates who do not have personal TV but want to watch TV, do not worry, the facilities usually provide a communal TV which is available at a common area or in a shared space. Surely, the inmates can watch communal TV during specified hours. Remember that access to this communal TV, viewing hours, and content available are subject to the rules of the facility.
Once again, it is very essential to note that the regulations about TVs in cells will vary widely across federal, state, and private prisons. For example, in Alabama and Georgia, inmates are not prohibited to have personal TVs in their cells if they pay for them via the commissary. While, in New York, inmates are not allowed to have personal TVs. Also, California, Texas, and Indiana have their own rules related to inmates who are allowed to have personal TVs in their cells.
Buying a TV for an inmate – Here’s Way
Buying a TV for an inmate involves a different process from one facility to other facilities. However, it usually involves several steps. First, an inmate asks for permission to have a TV. If the facility gives permission, then the inmate pays the fee for the TV. For your information, the fee of TV will be deducted from the inmate’s account. After paying, the TV will be delivered to the inmate’s cell.
While some other facilities, for the inmates can have TV in their prison cell, they must get the TV from their friends or family members. The inmate’s friends or family can purchase a TV for the inmates by doing some simple steps. First, visit the prison. Then, ask permission to buy a TV for their inmates. Next, ask about the model of TV can buy for inmates. After selecting a model of TV, then the inmate’s friends or family can choose a size of TV that fits into the inmate’s cells. Usually, the size of TV that the inmates can have is with a 13-inch flat screen.
When an inmate’s friends or family buy a TV for an inmate, do not forget to buy headphones too. With headphones, the inmates will feel free during watching. Through headphones, the inmates can watch whatever they like and listen to music without disturbing other inmates. Of course, using headphones while watching TV is important to prevent noise or unwanted things.
It is essential to note that usually outside purchases are not permitted for security reasons. TVs for inmates are specially designed for use in the prisons. To prevent illegal substances from being hidden inside, the TVs for inmates are made with clear plastic, and completed with several rules which must be followed. For some facilities that allow an inmate’s family and friends to bring TV from outside, the TV must be in its original packaging. Before the TV is allowed into the cell, the TV will be screened and checked.
Restrictions on What Inmates Can Watch
There are restrictions on what inmates can watch. Channels are limited to basic cable. And, content available is also monitored and censored strictly for anything inappropriate. Usually, in most facilities, inmates can watch whatever makes them glad. Most of the major networks, including CBS, NBC, and ABC, are worth watching by the inmates due to not having inappropriate content. But several certain programs will not be available due to containing inappropriate content.
The inmates are not allowed to watch programs which have violent scenes, pornography, and those which show excessive bleeding. Also, the inmates are prohibited to watch any “R” rated programs. The facility has its rule regarding what inmates can watch to ensure that the inmates are not affected by anything that can trigger bad emotions. If the inmates violate the rules of the facility, then they will lose privilege to watch TV in their cells. Their TVs will be confiscated. Even, the worst thing is the inmates will never get the chance to watch TV again.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
