Internet fraud is rampant and growing. The FBI’s IC3 is the central repository for Internet-crime victims to report criminal Internet activity. IC3 has received over four million complaints since its inception in 2000. Confidence and romance fraud, along with non-payment and non-delivery scams, were among the top three crime types. These crimes generated the highest reported financial loss. Additional crimes include harassment and child predation. With con-men and pedophiles using the internet as a principle tool in perpetrating their crimes it’s no wonder the knee-jerk reaction to providing Internet access to individuals in the criminal justice system is, “No Way!”
It is universally known that the Internet provides access to a wealth of mind-expanding information and knowledge. Previous generations either had privileged access to information through higher-education or had to comb through reference materials to find answers. The pace at which this generation is able to learn is staggering. How many times have you used Google to re-learn a concept, find a recipe, research a product or learn how to tackle an issue like fixing an appliance or vehicle? How many times have you used the web to review job opportunities or do basic research in order to learn an unfamiliar concept or support a new idea?
Education and Recidivism
There’s little doubt that educating individuals in the criminal justice system improves their chances for successful reentry. As a result, there is a direct line between education and reduced recidivism. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly more important to successfully manage the security risks associated with a high risk individual’s Internet access to dynamic online educational resources. Internet access is not a right. However Internet access for individuals in the criminal justice system can go a long way to positively impacting the proven fact that an educated individual is less likely to become a returning customer.
secureLearn successfully manages the security risks associated with online access for individuals in the criminal justice system, by providing a controlled Internet access platform. This applies to individuals behind the walls as well as throughout the reentry continuum. Multiple levels of security is the primary emphasis. Strict controls are placed on communications. Web access is restricted to the Internet resources sanctioned by the correction facility’s staff. As a result, attempts to gain access to non-sanctioned materials are blocked yet facility education providers can augment and expand their curriculum with appropriate learning materials.