Excerpt from Dallas Business Journal, published October 13, 2024
Written by Aventiv Technologies
Communications in correctional facilities have significantly evolved since the introduction of pay phones in the 1970s. Today, kiosks and tablets offer richer and more meaningful connections than traditional telephone services. Technology has evolved to allow incarcerated individuals to maintain connections with loved ones and to engage in education, entertainment and rehabilitation through secure apps delivered on tablets, similar to the ones we use in our daily lives.
The industry has increasingly prioritized connections between incarcerated individuals and their friends and family to improve the incarceration experience and rehabilitation process. Features like e-messaging, photo sharing and video calls mitigate the effects of isolation, encouraging strong family ties, a key factor in successful reintegration. Maintaining family connections during incarceration also leads to reduced recidivism, highlighting the critical role that technology plays in rehabilitation, not only for individuals but for society at large.
“It has been incredible to witness the evolution of communications in the corrections industry, and to have a role in influencing stronger outcomes,” said Dave Abel, CEO, Aventiv Technologies. “We’ve transitioned from a traditional telephone-based business into an industry-leading innovative technology company that is investing to develop cutting-edge and secure hardware, software, rich media content and sustainable service offerings that help correctional facilities bridge the digital divide in their communities.”