Electronics repair in prisons ?

[MathWizard]

I was watching a prison documentary, and I'm wondering about what all repair equipment, tools etc, are allowed into different jails.

I guess in many places of the world, NO tools and equip./etc are allowed. Nor is a TV and electricity, etc. But in places like the US/UK, in some prisons, u see people with a fair amount of clutter in their cells, including appliances, like TV, coffee pots, even microwaves.

So would would they let someone bring in their DMM, I mean videogame console's are in some prisons. What about screwdrivers, a soldering iron even ?

In some jails they might have a workshop and actually let people fix stuff and order parts. IDK. Some stuff gets ghetto fixed. I was just thinking about trying to make different voltage dividers for LEDs to see voltages without a meter. If I was in jail I'd try fixing stuff for food LOL.

[Gyro]

Well I suppose you'd have less hassle with public liability insurance, but I shudder to think what alternative uses a hot soldering iron might be put to!

[bsfeechannel]

If I was in jail I'd try fixing stuff for food LOL.

You defined marriage.

[penfold]

How would you explain a multimeter to airport staff? I hazard that the games console or TV would be an easier explanation.

If you're planning ahead, make sure you pack some files, and an acetylene torch too - some repair jobs can require a bit more wattage than a standard iron.

[mawyatt]

Awhile back recall MiniCircuits used prison labor to assemble certain components.

Best,

[langwadt]

https://youtu.be/O3PfsndsihY

[ledtester]

...
I guess in many places of the world, NO tools and equip./etc are allowed. Nor is a TV and electricity, etc. But in places like the US/UK, in some prisons, u see people with a fair amount of clutter in their cells, including appliances, like TV, coffee pots, even microwaves.
...

Techmoan did a video on "Prison Tech":

https://youtu.be/O3PfsndsihY

In particular, prisons are one reason that the cassette tape survived for so long.

Some other things I recall from the video:

- prisoners usually have to pay for the electricity they use in their cells
- they have to buy their own fuses and batteries; higher amp fuses cost more
- devices allowed in cells have to be in transparent cases so they can be easily inspected

The "Freeplay FPR2SC" radio is not advertise as such, but it would be ideal for prison use given that it can be powered by battery, solar-panel or built-in dynamo and is in a clear case:

https://www.amazon.com/Freeplay-FPR2SC-Clear-Translucent-Solar/dp/B00004Z3LP

[Benta]

You seem to think that a multiple murderer and rapist gets the same treatment as a technician serving a sentence for fraud?

At least here, the penal authorities have a more differentiated view.

[magic]

It looks like one of those problems where there ought to be some simple way to find out...

[cdev]

I suspect that as US committed "Adult Education" and "Higher Education" in its WTO "Schedule of Specific Commitments" there may be a conflict. I suppose if they allowed people to get college credit then for profit colleges might complain. So thats probably disallowed.

[cdev]

They get labor really cheap when they do that. That way they don't "need to" go to other countries. Or pay a national minimum wage.
Personally it kind of bothers me when companies that take my money use prison labor. But I guess no law says they have to tell people. In fact I would be surprised if any law required them to tell people. How did you find out that fact? Some other means than a label telling you?

Awhile back recall MiniCircuits used prison labor to assemble certain components.

Best,

[Someone]

It looks like one of those problems where there ought to be some simple way to find out...

I get what you are saying! but there is an easier way, Louis Theroux has some documentaries with fairly uncensored access and candid time with inmates. There is a scene with the OPs exact question....

You seem to think that a multiple murderer and rapist gets the same treatment as a technician serving a sentence for fraud?

At least here, the penal authorities have a more differentiated view.

within a single country, different jails tend to have different rules "appropriate" for their situation, or even different rules within a single facility. So there is no one answer. Although jails tend to be bizarrely specific about what objects are/arent allowed within their guest population, items/consumables that seem normal/safe/inconsequential to citizens could be harder to get than narcotics in a prison/jail.

[mawyatt]

They get labor really cheap when they do that. That way they don't "need to" go to other countries. Or pay a national minimum wage.
Personally it kind of bothers me when companies that take my money use prison labor. But I guess no law says they have to tell people. In fact I would be surprised if any law required them to tell people. How did you find out that fact? Some other means than a label telling you?

Awhile back recall MiniCircuits used prison labor to assemble certain components.

Best,

I remember it from many years ago, but don't recall the exact source. Likely an article or something, and recall it was in NY prisons.

Personally I see nothing wrong (likely why Mini Circuits could sell some components so reasonable, and not have them imported from China). In fact, think it's a good idea to help a few folks develop a skill they can use when they get out, sort of a vocational training and help keep them off welfare!!

Best,

[MathWizard]

I remember those older style tape players, my grandparents had them, as well as a little older 8track player for the V8 station wagon ! I love see through electronics, but I don't own any.

You seem to think that a multiple murderer and rapist gets the same treatment as a technician serving a sentence for fraud?

At least here, the penal authorities have a more differentiated view.

Actually there's people on death row in the US, that have their own cell, and it looks like a dorm room full of stuff (with an open wall of bars). But yeah they probably aren't allowed to be exchanged stuff with the rest of the prison.

If I went to jail, and was allowed a laptop with just a pdf reader, I'd try and spend my whole time learning stuff. And I'd even consider trying for any teaching positions of inmates, for reduced time.

Or maybe I'd try to raise a criminal army, but that would be difficult.

[cdev]

Like Latin America, California has a number of pay prisons that wealthy people can pay extra to do their time in. Its another income stream for them.

Their regular prisons are mostly in the Central Valley, an area that's infested with a fungal illness coccidioidomycosis. ("Valley Fever")

[m k]

They get labor really cheap when they do that. That way they don't "need to" go to other countries. Or pay a national minimum wage.
Personally it kind of bothers me when companies that take my money use prison labor. But I guess no law says they have to tell people. In fact I would be surprised if any law required them to tell people. How did you find out that fact? Some other means than a label telling you?

Awhile back recall MiniCircuits used prison labor to assemble certain components.

Best,

I remember it from many years ago, but don't recall the exact source. Likely an article or something, and recall it was in NY prisons.

Personally I see nothing wrong (likely why Mini Circuits could sell some components so reasonable, and not have them imported from China). In fact, think it's a good idea to help a few folks develop a skill they can use when they get out, sort of a vocational training and help keep them off welfare!!

Best,

It's a bit odd that many times punishment vs education is not even near with out one day or not.

Though can't accept Norwegian way either, where someone is forced to keep company or be present with a bad guy.