The distribution of free "tablet" devices to prisoners in New York without the Internet

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NEW YORK (Reuters) - Prisoners around New York State are preparing to get a free tablet as part of a project to boost prison education schemes, according to a recent statement by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Some 51,000 inmates in 54 state-run prisons will be eligible for a tablet.

"The plan was unveiled at a state budget hearing and provides state-of-the-art technology in the state by Florida-based GPE, without tax costs" commissioner Doc Antony Anuchi said.

According to the Associated Press, the officials of the Anti-Narcotics Committee confirmed that tablets will carry educational materials and will allow prisoners to buy music, e-books and videos from the "GB".

Anuchi described the move as a "pilot," adding that officials believed that introducing prison tablets would help prisoners prepare better for returning to the outside community.

While prisoners will be able to send and receive e-mails, the devices do not allow them to access the Internet.