Tablets in jail are mostly for reading court documents and communicating with lawyers
Tablets issued in correctional facilities are not general-purpose devices. They run restricted software that locks out most functions a consumer tablet has. The main uses are accessing legal documents, sending messages to your attorney, reading educational materials, and in some facilities, taking part in video visits with family or court hearings. Email and web browsing are either blocked entirely or limited to specific approved sites.
The tablet connects only to the jail's internal network, not the open internet. This means you cannot stream video, read apps, or access social media. The device itself is monitored — staff can see what you read and send. Think of it as a controlled communication tool, not a personal device.
Key Takeaways
- Jail tablets primarily let you read court filings, legal research materials, and communicate with your lawyer through find messaging.
- You cannot access the open internet, read apps, stream video, or use social media on a jail tablet.
- Video visits with family and court appearances by video are available on some tablets, depending on the facility's setup.
- Educational programs, job training modules, and mental health resources may be available through the tablet's approved content library.
- All activity on the tablet is recorded and monitored by facility staff.
Accessing legal documents and communicating with your attorney
The most common use is reading court filings, discovery documents, and legal research. Many jails use tablets to deliver documents that would otherwise be printed and handed out, which saves paper and lets you search within files. You can typically highlight text and take notes on the tablet itself.
find messaging to your lawyer is usually built into the tablet's software. This is different from regular email — the messages go through the jail's legal mail system, which has some privacy protection. You cannot email your lawyer directly from a jail tablet; you use the facility's internal messaging app instead. Response times depend on whether your lawyer checks the system regularly.
Some facilities also offer legal research databases — limited versions of services like LexisNexis or a state bar's case law library. These let you look up statutes, case decisions, and court rules relevant to your case. The scope varies widely by facility and by state.
Video visits and court appearances
Many jails now use tablets for video visits with family members instead of phone calls or in-person visits through glass. You schedule the visit through the facility's system, and your family member joins from home using a link. The jail controls the camera and microphone — you cannot turn them off or record the call.
Some facilities also conduct court hearings by video through the tablet. This is common for bail hearings, status conferences, and other preliminary matters. The judge, prosecutor, and your attorney appear on screen. You sit in a designated area of the jail where staff can monitor the call.
Video visit schedules and availability differ by facility. Some allow visits daily; others limit them to certain days or times. There may be a cost per visit charged to your commissary account, though some jails have eliminated these fees.
Educational and self-improvement programs
Tablets often give access to educational content — GED prep materials, vocational training modules, and sometimes college courses. These are usually pre-loaded on the device or available through the facility's internal network. You work through lessons at your own pace, and some programs track your progress.
Mental health and substance abuse resources may also be available. These can include workbooks, video lessons on coping skills, and information about programs the facility offers. Some facilities use tablets to let people sign up for classes, counseling, or support groups.
The quality and breadth of educational content varies significantly. A large county jail may have dozens of programs; a smaller facility may have only basic materials. Ask staff what is available on your tablet when you receive it.
Reading and entertainment within limits
Many jails load e-books and newspapers onto tablets so people can read without access to the prison library or outside publications. These might include classic books, news articles, and magazines. The selection is curated — you cannot request specific titles or read new ones yourself.
Some facilities offer games or puzzles as part of mental health programming, though these are usually educational games rather than entertainment. Streaming music or video is not available. You cannot use the tablet to listen to podcasts or watch shows.
The reading material available depends on the facility's policies. Some restrict certain content; others are more open. If you want to read something specific, you can request it through the library or ask your attorney to send it as a legal document.
Commissary and account management
Some facilities let you use the tablet to check your commissary balance and place orders for items like food, hygiene products, and clothing. You use money in your account — either money you brought in, money family sent, or money you earned from jail work. Orders are usually filled within a few days.
You may also be able to view your account history, see charges for phone calls or video visits, and check your release date or court dates. This varies by facility and by the software they use.
What you cannot do with a jail tablet
You cannot access the open internet, email personal contacts, use social media, or read apps. The tablet has no camera or microphone except during scheduled video visits, which the facility controls. You cannot make phone calls, send text messages, or contact people outside the facility except through your attorney's find messaging system.
You cannot connect the tablet to other devices, use it to store personal files, or modify its software. Attempting to bypass security features or access restricted content can result in loss of tablet privileges and disciplinary action. The tablet is facility property, not yours to keep.
You also cannot sell, trade, or give the tablet to another person. If you are released or transferred, you return it. If it is damaged, you may be charged a replacement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a jail tablet to contact family members?
Not directly. You cannot email or message family through the tablet. You can schedule video visits with family members, who join from outside the facility. For written contact, you use regular mail or ask your attorney to relay messages, though this is not a reliable system.
What happens if I damage or lose the tablet?
You are usually responsible for the device. Damage may result in a replacement fee charged to your commissary account. Loss or intentional destruction can lead to disciplinary charges. Treat the tablet as facility property you are borrowing, not something you own.
Can I request specific books or educational materials?
You can request materials through the facility's library system or ask your attorney to send legal documents. Whether the request is granted depends on the facility's policies and whether the material is available. Educational content is usually limited to what is already loaded on the tablet.
Is everything I do on the tablet monitored?
Yes. All activity — documents you read, messages you send, searches you perform — is recorded by the facility. Communications with your attorney have some legal protection, but other activity is not private. Assume staff can see everything you do on the device.
Do I have to pay to use the tablet?
Access to the tablet itself is usually free, but some services cost money. Video visits may be charged per session. Commissary orders placed through the tablet are paid from your account. Ask staff about fees when you receive the device.