Commissioner: Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

FORSYTH, Ga. – The recent rollout of Georgia Offender Alternative Learning (G.O.A.L.) devices is already proving to be a game changer for offender education and family communication within the Georgia prison system.  The ruggedized tablets allow offenders to have access to educational materials, and come pre-loaded with inmate handbooks and a motivational book.

“There are three basic education needs: time, space, resources,” said Dr. Buster Evans, Assistant Commissioner of Inmate Services. “If you can improve ONE of these, you can make a difference. If you can improve all three, it’s a game changer. Looking at the amount of educational content that we are now providing to offenders with 24 hour access anywhere in the facility, we are addressing all three of those needs.”

The tablets are not connected to the Internet; however, offenders can access additional educational content by loading materials through a secure kiosk that can then be watched at any time. To date, there were more than 74,000 downloads of educational material on the 3,200 devices that are currently in use within Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) female facilities. JPay makes this content from Khan Academy Lite, available on the kiosk at no cost to the offender or GDC.

In addition to educational content, offenders can send and receive secured email through the kiosk, which helps them keep their relationships with family intact while they are incarcerated.  The family can send a photo to the offender that will download on the GOAL Device that they can then enjoy at any time.  Emails and attachments are at a cost of $0.35 each.  The offender can also correspond via email with family and friends for the same cost. Email correspondence is verified by security, and reviewed before being released to the offender or being sent by the offender.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.