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Tablet Program Helps Incarcerated Fathers Stay Connected to Their Families

Thursday, June 16, 2022

On Father’s Day or any day, increased paternal connection benefits inmates, children, and public safety.

UNION CITY, Okla. – Navigating holidays is an emotional journey for Robert Rivard.

“Holidays are tough,” inmate Rivard said. “I miss my family so desperately.”

Among the 1.2 million people in federal and state prison, 92% are fathers. This Father’s Day, Oklahoma’s incarcerated are getting reconnected.

One year ago, Securus Technologies and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) began distributing free digital tablets to 22,000 inmates. The tablets represent a critical update to communications and technology.

“I can go to my cell and be able to talk to them, be able to hear them a lot better than out there,” said inmate Leo Day. As the father of a toddler, he enjoys receiving video grams, e-messaging, and the freedom of talking to family.

“I’ll be able to talk to him and hear his little Munchkin voice,” Day said. “He’s just learning how to talk and all of that.”

As beneficial as it is for the inmates to be able to connect with family, the impacts on the lives of children are even greater.

“There is nothing better than the love a child has for their father,” Matthew Craig, ODOC Chief of Technical Services said. “Giving that access is huge for the children in the way they see life.”

The tablets also include access to approved TV shows, movies and music, along with educational and employment resources. But it’s access to loved ones that these incarcerated parents appreciate most of all.

“I have tons of messages from my wife and my kids,” Rivard said. “It almost brings me to tears. This tablet is a blessing.”

Said inmate John Kepler, “You can still be in prison and if your family wants to say something to you and that’s worth a lot. Or just to say, Dad I love you.”

One year after introducing the tablets, ODOC has seen improved morale and more motivated inmates. It’s opened up a world of opportunity and strengthened bonds between dads and their children.

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Editor’s note: A broadcast-ready news package for this story is available free of charge, both with and without VOs. Still photography also available.

Media Contact:

Josh Ward, Public Information Manager
josh.ward@doc.ok.gov
Cell: (405) 435-9173

Last Modified on Jun 16, 2022
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Oklahoma Department of Corrections
4345 North Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
405-425-2500

Mailing Address
PO Box 11400
Oklahoma City, OK  73136-0400

 

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In Compliance with the reporting requirements of 74 O.S. 3106.4[C], this agency is making known that it stores name, birth date, place of birth, mother's maiden name, biometric records, Social Security number, official state or government issued driver license or identification number, alien registration number, government passport number, and employer or taxpayer identification numbers. The personally identifiable data is stored both electronically and in confidential paper files. The data is shared in compliance with court orders and agreements with other government bodies.