Multimedia Tablets and Kiosks

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) allows inmates and their families to communicate utilizing interactive, stationary kiosks available in general population housing units, as well as tablets. This service is provided for by JPay Inc., a Securus Technologies company, currently in contract with the Department. These services are geared toward enhancing family connections, expanding educational opportunities, and incentivizing positive inmate behavior.

Kiosk services are availible in all major correctional institutions, annexes, work camps, re–entry centers, and Department–operated Community Release Centers throughout the state. Educational content, including JPay’s Learning Management System (LMS) Lantern LMS, and Khan Academy Lite videos, which includes GED prep, are available on the JPay JP6S tablet. For information on the tablet program, visit: https://www.jpay.com/pmusic.aspx.

Additional services include:

Video Visitation

Video visitation is offered at the cost of $2.95 per 15-minute session, making it a very affordable option for inmates who want more access to their families. Note: video visitation will be monitored for compliance with applicable rules.

Secure Mail

Secure Mail is available to inmates at a cost of $0.39/stamp, with one stamp purchasing one email. The cost of Secure Mail covers the cost of the infrastructure to support it and monitoring of the messages for safety and security purposes

JP6 Rollout FAQ

• On a "Printed Bulletin Board Notification" in August of 2020, it's stated that "All inmates will be required to register through the JPay kiosk for the JP6S tablet..." What if an inmate does not want a tablet of any kind?

  Inmates will be informed about the JPay loaner tablet program and the process to obtain one through New Inmate Orientations at the Reception Centers and their permanent Institution. If the inmate choses to participate in the JP6 loaner tablet program, they must order their tablet through the JPay kiosk. If an inmate does not choose to be issued a loaner tablet, then they must receive their communications by accessing the kiosk in their dormitory.

• What if an inmate just paid $140 for a new JP5 and wants to keep it?

  The Florida Department of Corrections has mandated that inmates cannot possess a JP5 and JP6 tablet simultaneously. Inmates who have previously purchased a JP5 may keep their tablet until it is not operable or compromised. JPay will not repair or replace JP5 tablets because they are now technically obsolete. When the inmate registers for a JP6 loaner tablet the previously purchased JP5 tablet will be shipped to JPay and stored by JPay, and the inmate will be able to request a JP5 tablet and all of their purchases content upon release.

  The JP6 tablet will have all of the previously purchased content available upon activation

• If an inmate recently paid $140 for a JP5, will they receive any type of credit when he/she orders the loaner? To say inmates can have a JP5 sent to them "upon release" means nothing to those who will "never" be released?

  For inmates with a life sentence, they will have the option to request their JP5 tablet be sent home at no charge. Since the inmate will still have access to their purchased content on the new JP6 tablet, the JP5 tablet will not have any loaded content when it is mailed home. In the near future, JPay will send detailed instructions to explain the process and deadline to request this action.

  For all other inmates, there will not be a credit. This program is considered to be a technology upgrade exchange for the inmate population that coincides with the introduction of the new loaner tablet program. In this program, inmates will receive the latest technology and tablets at no charge for the term of the contract. For those who purchased a JP5 tablet, they will be eligible to receive a JP5 tablet and their purchased content upon release at no additional charge.

• When a JP5 is sent to a released inmate with his contents, who pays the shipping fee, and are there any charges for the inmate?

  JPay will pay all shipping costs. There will be no fees for the inmate to have the contents loaded to a mini storage device (i.e. USB thumb drive) and mailed with the tablet to their home address. The offender must contact JPay upon release to request the JP5 and provide a valid shipping address.

• How long will it take to receive the JP6S after ordering it? In the beginning, JP5's took an inordinate amount of time.

  The distribution of the JP6S tablets will begin in mid-September in Region IV. The process will continue with Region III, Region II and finally Region I. The entire distribution of tablets should be completed by mid-November. The inmate will be required to order the loaner JP6S tablet on the kiosk and delivery will be based upon the date of the incoming order request.

• The JPay introductory email states - "When you ORDER a JP6S, you will be required to return your JP5 tablet..." Is the JP5 handed in when the JP6S is ORDERED or when it is RECEIVED?

  Inmates will be allowed to keep the JP5 tablet until they receive their new JP6S tablet. Inmates MUST exchange their JP5 at the time of receipt of the JP6.

• Will an inmate be charged if the tablet is stolen?

  The inmate must report the lost/stolen property within 10 calendar days of the theft to their institution using the current property process. The stolen tablet will be reported to JPay and will be inactivated and at such time will be considered contraband. The institution will determine the validity of the stolen property claim and if the replacement cost is appropriate. If the investigation is inconclusive and the stolen tablet is not found, a replacement tablet will be authorized at no cost.

• Will a stolen tablet be replaced?

  After the lost/stolen tablet has been investigated, the institution will approve a replacement tablet to be issued. See question 7 for additional information.

• Will an inmate be charged if the tablet is damaged accidently?

  The new JP6S tablets provide a high quality, corrections-grade construction with a shatter-proof housing. Normal use and handling would not typically cause irreparable damage to the tablet. Each request for a replacement tablet would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Will the tablet be confiscated as punishment for infractions not related to the tablet?

  Procedure 602.047 and associated rules on Close Management and Confinement reference when authorized property is to be impounded during a period of close management, administrative or disciplinary confinement. Items will be held at the institution and returned to the inmate at the end of such period.

• Will the same tablet go with the inmate upon transfer to another facility?

  Yes. The tablet is assigned to the inmate – not the institution in which the tablet is distributed.

• If an inmate keeps his JP5 or JP5S, will a charger still be available?

  At this time the JP5 or JP5S will have chargers available.

• Will additional kiosks be added to carry the increase in demand where 80 to 90 inmates are housed? There are already long, irritating lines at certain times?

  Kiosk demand will be monitored, and additional units may be installed if deemed necessary by the institution.

• Will the JP6S require syncing every 30 days?

  Yes. Inmates must sync their JP6 tablets with the kiosk at least once every 30 days. If this action is not completed, the tablet will lock, and the inmate will have to open a Help Ticket through the Communications Center on the kiosk to have it unlocked.

• It's stated in the introductory email that "All the media and content you purchased and downloaded on your JP5 tablet will be available for download at the kiosk or OVER WI-FI onto your new JP6S device..." Will more options be available over wi-fi that previously required syncing to the kiosk, such as downloading news, printing, etc.?

  Technology is ever evolving and as it does, JPay will offer additional services, such as more WI-FI capabilities. JPay does anticipate more content to be available via Wi-Fi in the future. As updates and improvements occur, JPay will communicate this through the Announcements on the tablets and kiosks.

• When a JP6S needs repairs, will replacements be instantly available at every facility or will inmates be forced to go without a tablet for several weeks?

  Inmates will have to enter a Help Ticket and begin the process with JPay to determine the extent of the damage or repairs. Should a device be unrepairable a replacement tablet would be ordered. Institutions will not have replacement tablets on site. We do anticipate that the replacement tablet would be received in a much faster timeframe than before.

• If a replacement is required, is there a way to save drafts, calendar entries, gallery pictures, etc.?

  Regretfully drafts and calendar entries are non-transferrable as they are stored on the physical tablets’ memory. Content such as media purchases, received and sent emails, photos and videograms will be available to download to their replacement device.

• Will the JP6S include such advantageous writing features as italics, bold type, and underscoring for those inmates writing legal and/or important documents?

  No. The tablet will have the same keyboard as JP5 upon issuance.

• Will inmates be able to copy and paste from emails received from personal contacts like they can copy and paste from emails from FDC and JPay Representatives? Will they also be able to copy and paste from their own sent emails? These are important features to many.

  No. Copy and paste is a limited function in our platform for security-based reasons.

• Instead of FDC staff emails to inmates appearing under the heading of "JPay Representative," will they appear under a less confusing heading indicating their position? They are not "representing" JPay in their messages.

  This will not change as this is part of the email system and is not tied to the tablet hardware.

• Pursuant to Chapter 33, when an inmate goes to administrative confinement, he/she is allowed to take all of his property with him. Will an inmate not be allowed to have the loaned tablet because it is not "his" property.

  No. The inmate will not have access to the kiosk to sync their tablet or the charging cart. The tablet will be stored at the institution and returned to the inmate at the appropriate time after the confinement restrictions are completed.

• Will unscrupulous staff members take tablets away arbitrarily because JPay "owns" the tablets?

  No.

• Will requests and grievances be available for filing on the new tablets and the kiosk?

  This function is not available to this time. The JPay platform is ever evolving and expanded capabilities may be available in future projects.

• Will call-outs be posted on the new tablet?

  This function is not available to this time. The JPay platform is ever evolving and expanded capabilities may be available in future projects.

• Can the Inmate Master Menu and the Canteen Price List be made available on the tablet?

  Due to continuous updates and changes to the Master Menu and Canteen products, there is not a reliable mechanism to make this information available in a timely fashion. However, FDC may utilize the JPay Announcement screen, to alert inmates of changes and updates to the Master Menu and Canteen products and price list may occur going forward.

• Can Institutional Inmate Manuals be made available on tablets like the Inmate Orientation Handbook is?

  Yes. We do have the ability to make Institutional Manuals available on the tablet via the Handbook application.

FAQ - General Inmate Kiosk/Tablets

• How much did the FDC pay for the multimedia kiosks and tablets?

  The contract comes at NO COST to the state.

• How do I contact JPay with a customer service question?

  Please visit Jpay.com or call 1-800-574-5729

• How does an inmate get support from JPay?

  Inmates can submit helpdesk support tickets to JPay electronically using the Communication Center on their tablet or kiosk. Inmates may have one ticket open at a time.

• How will the Department ensure these programs aren't used for illegal activity or for viewing inappropriate material?

  The tablets have no camera or internet access capability and run on a secure connection provided by JPay, Inc. Media content has specific parameters for inclusion and is monitored to ensure that it is appropriate for an inmate audience. Any media content deemed inappropriate will be removed from the media catalog.  Video visitation, VideoGrams, pictures, and secure mail (email) messages will be monitored to ensure that the content meets the Department’s defined parameters for acceptable content.

• Who will monitor these services?

  JPay, Inc. is responsible for monitoring email messages and attachments (including pictures and VideoGrams) and Video Visitation sessions and for notifying FDC of any inappropriate content.  FDC will have the ability to review any email messages and attachments (including pictures and VideoGrams) and Video Visitation sessions. Any information obtained through email messages, VideoGrams, and/or Video Visitation is subject to be used for intelligence purposes.

• Who will inmates be allowed to communicate with?

  The inmate cannot initiate communication. For email messages and attachments (including pictures and VideoGrams), the friend/family must have the inmate’s DC # to add to the account and establish correspondence. Once this occurs the inmate will see the customer on their contact list and can then initiate communication to that customer. The customer can choose to break that established correspondence at any time to prevent an inmate from contacting them further. For Video Visitation, the friend/family must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. Video Visitation sessions can only be scheduled by friends/family, not the inmate.  

• What protections are in place for victims and victim families?

  The Department is committed to ensuring protection for victims and their families. Inmates will not be able to initiate communication. For email messages and attachments (including pictures and VideoGrams), the friend/family must have the inmate’s DC # to add the account and establish correspondence. Once this occurs the inmate will see the friend/family on their contact list. For Video Visitation, the friend/family must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. Video Visitation sessions can only be scheduled by friends/family, not the inmate.  

• What is Khan Academy Lite?

  Khan Academy is an organization that promotes learning by providing instructional videos. These videos include content on a variety of topics including “How To” videos, employability skills, and GED preparation. To learn more visit https://learningequality.org/ka-lite/.

• Will inmates be given access to the same types of movies and books as the public?

  All selections will be appropriate for viewing within a corrections environment, meaning all content will be rated PG-13 or below or generally meet the standards to be rated PG-13 or below. Books will meet the same criteria as physical books sent in to inmates. Music rated as “Explicit” will not be included in the JPay Media Store.

• What are the benefits to the state and the inmates?

  Staying Connected with Family

  Research shows that maintaining familial and pro-social relationships while incarcerated significantly reduces the likelihood of recidivating. While in-person visitation is the most ideal, many families are unable to visit frequently. Offering video visitation is a low-cost tool that allows inmates to have a conversation and actually see family. VideoGrams allow a way for an inmate to be included in significant life events like a child’s birthday party or graduation.

  Preparing Inmates for Re–entry into the Community

  Access to educational and vocational services electronically will expand re-entry opportunities and allow for future expansion by FDC programming that focuses on the seven criminogenic domains. Access to job search engines will enable inmates releasing soon to access available job opportunities. Additionally, familiarization with technology will aid in the reintegration into a very technologically advanced world upon release.

  Enhanced Intelligence Capabilities

  Using video visitation and email, FDC will have more access to inmate communications, thus allowing enhanced monitoring for illegal activity.

  Reduction of Contraband

  Using electronic means of communication reduces the potential entry points for contraband into the facilities sent through the mail or brought in by visitors.

  Incentive for Positive Behavior

  Based on the results seen by other states such as Indiana and Ohio, as well as the Department’s results from implementation of MP3/MP4 digital music players, services that occupy an inmate’s time are a powerful incentive for positive behavior and reduce idleness which often results in disciplinary problems.