Oregon Department of Corrections to issue computer tablets to all inmates, move to digitally scanned email

SALEM,. Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Corrections told inmates' families and friends on Monday that at all inmates are going to receive a state-issued computer tablet, on which they can take lessons, watch movies, play games or read their emails - which from now on will be scanned digitally.

"Soon, every Adult in Custody will have access to their own state-issued tablet," the emailed announcement said. "We’ll also move to digitally scanned mail. This will take time to implement, but we want you to know what it means and what you can expect."

Here's the rest of their announcement:

"Why We Are Doing This  

• We want AICs to have better access to tools that support communication, learning, and personal growth.
• Tablets help AICs stay connected with family, complete programs, and get information in a safe, reliable, and timely way.
• This will make access to tablets equitable and help those with more demanding work and programming schedules have access to tablet-based services.
• Scanned mail helps make our institutions safe.

What Happens Next

• The move to 1:1 tablets will happen gradually, and each facility will get information before changes take place.
• When the 1:1 system is fully in place, every AIC will receive their own state-issued tablet during intake or at rollout in their facility.

What AICs Will Be Able to Do on the Tablet 

Tablets will continue to provide free access to tools designed to support daily life, growth, and reentry planning; as well as access to educational programs, skill- building courses, and surveys and feedback tools. They will also continue to provide access to movies and games.  

What Happens Next 

• The move to 1:1 tablets will happen gradually, and each facility will get information before changes take place. We anticipate delivering tablets in the fall of 2026.

What are the Details on Scanned Mail

• Most personal mail will be scanned and delivered digitally. Legal mail and certain other materials will still be handled physically.
• More information will be published as we move closer to this becoming a reality.We anticipate implementing scanned mail near the end of 2026. We’ll have a more accurate timeframe in a few months.

Our Commitment to You 

We know communication, education, and staying connected to loved ones matters.  We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible." 

The family and friends of inmates, as well as the public, can view updated information on DOC's Tablet Deployment page.

One piece of information shared there is the following (we have reached out to the Department of Corrections for more details of the program):

"The tablets will continue to be provided by and owned by the vendor with none of the cost coming from State funds," DOC said. "The vendor has a contract for the communication and entertainment services provided.

"While there is a great amount of content provided at no cost to the AIC, there is also content that AICs can pay for," These revenues are what allow the vendor to cover the cost of the deployment.