The use of internet in prisons has recently experienced some development. As a general rule, offenders under sentence are not allowed to connect to the web for security reasons: it is too difficult to control what inmates can and cannot access online. However, a new program was launched by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in 2011 allowing some inmates access to email.

The Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System (TRULINCS,) BOPÂ’s email system for inmates, operates only in federal prisons (http://www.bop.gov/inmate_programs/trulincs_faq.jsp.) The program allows incarcerated offenders to securely send and receive email without having access to the internet. As the use of electronic messaging has become widespread in many US homes, TRULINCS aids inmates in sustaining ties with friends and families. Readily available communcation provided by the program is said to facilitate an inmateÂ’s transition into the community upon release from a prison.

TRULINCS communication is closely monitored. Inmates using the program must request to add parties to their contacts list if they wish to begin communication. This request must be approved by staff, and an automatically generated message will be sent to the inmateÂ’s desired contact, who must then approve to be contacted by the inmate. Similar systems have begun operating in some non-federal institutions; in these programs, however, inmates can receive email messages but cannot send any.

Although internet access is restricted in prisons, many inmates have access to computers. Many prisons provide courses in computer skills. These offer training in word processing and other skills which may be relevant to offenders once they begin to seek work upon release from prison. Inmates on work release in administrative positions may also be granted access to a computer.