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Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1993 10:58:52 -0800
From: fen@IMAGINE.COMEDIA.COM(Fen Labalme)
Subject: File 2--Federal Prison Regs on Computer Classes/Books

((MODERATORS' NOTE: Fen Labalme heard a rumor that "computer books"
could not be sent to federal prisoners. So, he tracked down the
information. Here's what he found)).

Well, after quite a few calls and re-directions, I finally got through
to one Tom Metzker at the federal bureau of prisons public affairs
office (202/307-3198).  He was quite helpful, if a little "tentative"
as we talked.

He told me of a new (June 1993) prison policy that states that "no
computer training" will be done in federal prisons.  This includes
(but is not limited to!) "programming techniques, computer languages,
and computer repairs".  He went on to say that programming includes
"macros;  for example, no DBase commands may be taught".

Tom informed me that many prisons now have computers for use by the
inmates, but that "people who exhibit a propensity towards computers
may be denied access to them".

I asked "what is the harm of learning a trade, such a C programming,
that could be useful when the prisoner leaves?"  He said that the rule
was worded (as, he allowed, most such rules were) in a vague way that
ultimately left it up to the warden as to what would or would not be
allowable, and that special exceptions could be made by the warden in
any case.

Anyway, this all sounds pretty unfair to me.  I could understand,
perhaps, if a person's crime was committed on computers that part of
the punishment may be denial of access to a computer.  But my friend
was growing pot (a terrible crime -- aren't you glad that his
punishment is greater, thanks to those wonderful mandatory minimum
sentences, than if he had committed rape?) and now wants to learn
about computers as a legitimate way to make money in today's
information-centric world.

I think the prison system is failing us, the American society, if we
don't allow inmates to learn valuable, socially beneficial skills
while incarcerated.   What can be done?


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