Understanding Prison Freebies Tablets Books Food And Care Packages

Nov. 25, 2025, 10:40 a.m.

Tags: inmate

The U.S. correctional system provides various forms of freebies to incarcerated individuals, ranging from technology and educational materials to food items and care packages. These offerings generate significant debate, with supporters arguing they support rehabilitation and family connections, while critics question their appropriateness and cost to taxpayers. This article examines the different types of freebies provided to inmates, the programs that offer them, and the controversies surrounding their provision.

Tablet Technology Programs

One notable example of prison freebies is the tablet computer program implemented in New York State. According to official documentation, all prisoners in the state are to receive free tablet computers as part of a deal between a private communications service called JPay and New York's prison service. The agreement involves providing 54,700 convicts with these devices at no cost to the inmates.

The tablets are not internet-enabled by default, but prisoners can access limited, monitored internet connectivity by plugging their devices into approved kiosks at specific times. The functionality of these tablets includes: - Emailing an approved list of family and friends - Ordering certain music, books, and videos - Filing grievances and reports of abuse

All activities conducted on the tablets are heavily monitored by prison staff. Prisoner support services have welcomed this initiative, describing it as a "game-changer" and a "huge step forward." A New York State official indicated that the tablets would help prisoners remain closer to their families and potentially reduce tensions between prisoners and prison guards.

However, the program has faced criticism from law enforcement agencies. Some officers have questioned the wisdom of providing tablets to convicts, with one top police officer, Ed Mullins, suggesting it represents an example of "how crime does pay." Mullins specifically questioned why prisoners receive free tablets when other segments of society, including the homeless, mentally ill, and hard-working people who cannot afford tablets, may lack such support.

Food Freebies and Staff Misconduct

While some prison freebies are officially sanctioned programs, others result from staff misconduct. In Lee County, Florida, two correctional officers faced disciplinary action for providing unauthorized food items to inmates. According to reports, deputies Samantha Roberts and Brian Gauthier were separately disciplined for giving jail inmates fried chicken, cold cuts, and double cheeseburgers from McDonald's.

Roberts' case involved multiple violations. After two co-workers discovered an unauthorized photograph in an inmate's possession, an investigation revealed that Roberts had used her personal cellphone to take photos of two female inmates who requested pictures. She then printed these photos for the women and sent them to their families, which violated department policy. The inmates also reported that Roberts had provided them with McDonald's double cheeseburgers and soda on multiple occasions.

During the investigation, Roberts allowed internal investigators to examine her phone, where they found a text message in which she stated she "messed up bad" and "never should have done it" – referring to taking the pictures, mailing them, and bringing in cheeseburgers. The investigation additionally revealed that Roberts had improperly communicated with a male inmate who is the father of her two children.

As a result of these violations, Roberts was terminated from her position, while Gauthier received a two-day suspension without pay. These cases highlight the boundary issues that can arise when staff provide unauthorized freebies to inmates.

Educational Programs as Freebies

Prison education programs represent another form of freebie provided to incarcerated individuals. These programs offer educational opportunities ranging from basic literacy to advanced degrees, all at no cost to the inmates. The rationale behind such programs includes rehabilitation, reducing recidivism rates, and providing inmates with skills that may help them secure employment after release.

Supporters of prison education argue that these programs represent an investment in public safety by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior through education. They contend that educated inmates are less likely to reoffend after release, ultimately reducing long-term correctional costs.

However, critics question whether such programs constitute "undeserved freebies" for individuals who have committed crimes against society. This perspective suggests that while education may have rehabilitative value, the cost should not be borne entirely by taxpayers, especially when educational resources may be limited for law-abiding citizens in the general population.

The debate over educational freebies in prisons reflects broader tensions about the purpose of incarceration—whether it should focus purely on punishment or include rehabilitation components that may benefit society in the long term.

Free Book Programs for Prisoners

Various organizations operate free book programs that provide reading materials to incarcerated individuals across the United States. These programs typically operate through non-profit organizations and volunteer efforts, sending books to prisoners upon request. The availability and scope of these programs vary by location and organizational capacity.

Several free book programs operate with regional limitations: - Appalachian Prison Book Project ships books to prisoners in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee - Asheville Prison Books Program serves prisoners in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee - Books Through Bars – Philadelphia provides books to prisoners in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia - Books Through Bars – New York City fills requests from all states except Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin, with priority given to New York inmates - Books to Prisoners in Seattle has been sending books to people in prison since the 1970s - Chicago Books to Women in Prison serves female prisoners in the Chicago area

The process typically involves prisoners or their supporters submitting requests specifying categories of books they are interested in. Organizations then attempt to fulfill these requests, often sending similar titles if specific books are unavailable. Due to high volumes of requests, the fulfillment process may take several months.

These programs face various restrictions, including limitations on the types of books that can be sent to different facilities. Some prisons prohibit certain materials or require books to be sent directly from the publisher rather than from individuals or organizations.

The Prison Care Package Industry

A significant aspect of prison freebies involves the care package industry, which has developed as a response to restrictions on direct deliveries to correctional facilities. To prevent the introduction of drugs, weapons, and other contraband, many corrections agencies prohibit family members from mailing packages directly to inmates or bringing items during visits.

Instead, families must typically use private vendors approved by the correctional facilities. These vendors supply print and online catalogs containing prison- and jail-approved items. The approval process results in specially designed products that meet specific security requirements, such as: - No glass or metal containers - Personal hygiene products without alcohol - Contraband-proof packaging, including sealed food pouches - Clear electronics - Pocketless clothing items

The care package industry has become lucrative, with families paying premium prices for these specially approved items. Seasonal products are particularly popular, with holiday-themed items like red and green cream-filled Hostess cupcakes and peppermint Twinkies available during winter months.

Some facilities, including Los Angeles County jails, have contracts with care package vendors that include annual "gift packs" provided to inmates free of charge during the winter holiday season. These packages typically include a card from the county.

Religious items also form part of the care package industry, with at least one major provider, Access Securepak, offering Bibles, rosary beads, and Allah pendants. This aspect of the care package industry reflects the recognition of religious rights for incarcerated individuals within the constraints of correctional security.

The business model of care package companies has drawn criticism for what some perceive as profiting from the incarceration of family members. Critics point out that families often pay significantly more for these approved items than they would for comparable products in regular retail stores.

Controversies Surrounding Prison Freebies

The provision of freebies to inmates generates significant controversy, with debates focusing on cost, fairness, and the goals of incarceration. Several key arguments characterize these discussions.

One perspective, articulated by public officials like Brian Shortsleeve, emphasizes the financial burden of prison freebies on taxpayers. According to available documentation, the Department of Corrections has spent $8.1 million for state prisoners, while county jails have incurred $12 million in costs related to prisoner communications. Shortsleeve's campaign specifically targets free prison communications, proposing to: - Repeal the free prison communications law - Redirect funds toward victim services and crime prevention - Reinstate cost-sharing models that allow communication access without burdening taxpayers

This approach frames freebies as "costly perks that undermine personal accountability" and contrasts them with the experiences of ordinary citizens who "pay for their own phone bills and internet service."

Another argument against prison freebies focuses on the perceived message they send to society. Some critics, like police officer Ed Mullins, question why prisoners receive free benefits when other vulnerable populations, such as the homeless and mentally ill, may lack similar support. This perspective suggests that freebies create a perception that "crime does pay" by providing benefits that law-abiding citizens cannot access.

Conversely, supporters of prison freebies emphasize their rehabilitative value. Programs like tablet computers and educational opportunities are viewed as tools that can help prisoners maintain connections with families, develop skills, and prepare for reentry into society. Proponents argue that these programs ultimately benefit public safety by reducing recidivism rates.

The debate over freebies also touches on fundamental questions about the purpose of incarceration. Some view prison as solely a punitive system where offenders should not receive benefits beyond basic necessities. Others argue that incarceration should include rehabilitative components that address the underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior.

Conclusion

Freebies provided to inmates encompass a range of items and services, from technology and educational materials to food items and care packages. These programs operate through various mechanisms, including state initiatives, staff misconduct, non-profit organizations, and private businesses. The controversies surrounding prison freebies reflect deeper societal debates about the purpose of incarceration, the responsibilities of government, and the rights of incarcerated individuals.

While some freebies, like tablets and educational programs, are framed as tools for rehabilitation and family connection, others result from staff violations or represent commercial enterprises that profit from the restrictions placed on direct deliveries to correctional facilities. The financial costs of these programs, particularly when borne by taxpayers, continue to generate debate about their appropriateness and effectiveness.

As correctional systems evolve, the provision of freebies to inmates will likely remain a contested issue, balancing concerns about cost and fairness against potential benefits for rehabilitation and public safety.