ALBANY, New York (WWNY) – An independent oversight group says New York prisons need a technology overhaul.
While technology continues to grow in the outside world, the Correctional Association of New York says state prisons are far behind.
“Basic functions are limited by the department’s overall reluctance in some cases to embrace technology, but I think also just the absence of investments to make correctional facilities truly modern,” said Jennifer Scaife, CANY executive director.
After visiting state prisons and conducting dozens of interviews, CANY recommends that the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision expand the use of tablets, which would allow administrators to communicate with inmates about changes in facility operations and schedule updates.
Scaife says the tablets could hold information for inmates, like the facility operations manual.
“We hear superintendents saying, ‘If I can only communicate by email to every incarcerated person in my facility and let them know what the updated schedule is.’”
The report also highlights prior recommendations that were implemented by the state, including free phone calls.
“Important connections to family, friends, and external sources of support, which we know that people who are incarcerated need to plan for their release and have a successful return to the community,” said Scaife.
CANY’s report also mentions the beating death of inmate Robert Brooks in December 2024, saying the use of technology proved critical in prosecuting several corrections officers, including Adams resident David Kingsley.
In a statement to 7 News, a spokesperson for DOCCS says the department values the work CANY does in visiting the state’s correction facilities, and writes, “DOCCS is reviewing the CANY recommendations, and has already implemented a number of items.”
Copyright 2026 WWNY. All rights reserved.