NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - A new initiative is underway to introduce touch screen information kiosks into corrections facilities across the UK.

HMP Whatton in Nottingham has become the third prison to install the BT Prisoner Information Point (PIP) kiosk. Touch screen terminals were already installed in the HMP Stafford and HMP Chelmsford facilities earlier this year. Further installations are planned in 13 other prisons across the East Midlands region.

The multimedia kiosks, which have been developed by the Prison Service and BT, are intended to reduce incidences of self-harm and re-offending by providing prisoners with easier access to advice and information.

A wide range of practical subjects that impact prisoners will be covered including family breakdown, debt and housing. Advice will also be offered to help offenders prepare for life after release.

The PIPs are tailored for males, women and young offenders, and information is provided in eight languages, with the capability to add more if required.

Each prison manages information through a computer and can easily update and maintain the kiosks. They will also benefit the environment by eliminating large amounts of printed information. The PIPs are built so prisoners cannot access the Internet.

“The terminals will benefit both prisoners and staff helping to combat re-offending by communicating the services available,” says Prison Service project leader Glyn Jones. “At prisoners' fingertips will be information about the 21 Prison Standards that directly affect them plus opportunities for individual prisons to use their sections of the terminals to provide local information.”