Understanding Pennsylvania DOC Tablet Rules: What Inmates Can and Can't Do

Inmates in Pennsylvania state correctional facilities can purchase approved tablets through ViaPath Technologies. If you're a family member or friend, you won't be ordering the device directly. The inmate places the purchase through the approved process themselves.

One confirmed feature on Pennsylvania DOC tablets is email. Inmates can send and receive messages with family and friends through the tablet's approved system.

Tablets can only be ordered by the inmate through the DOC commissary system. Even if you're the one funding it, the actual order has to be placed from inside by the person who is incarcerated.

1. Send money through JPay - Family and friends fund the inmate so they can purchase a tablet, and sending money is done through JPay.
2. Use a JPay account (no anonymous funding) - A JPay account is required to send the funds, and the DOC receives a sender name for each transaction, so the account cannot be funded anonymously.

If you hear someone mention "link units," that's the tablet's spending currency. One link unit equals one penny. Inmates use them to buy songs, send emails, play games, and purchase other items approved by the Pennsylvania DOC for use on the tablet.

Troubleshooting and Questions

• ✓ Call ViaPath Technologies friends and family support at 877-650-4249 for questions about inmate tablets.
• ✓ Keep in mind these are DOC-approved tablets available for purchase by the inmate through ViaPath Technologies, so tablet-specific questions are usually handled through ViaPath support.