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| Cellphones confiscated from inmates donated to domestic violence victims |
| By cumberlink.com - Travis Kellar |
| Published: 10/31/2013 |
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The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections donated 1,100 cellphones to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence on Wednesday. John Wetzel, secretary for the Dept. of Corrections, said the phones donated were confiscated from inmates in community corrections centers. “In our community corrections centers earlier last year, we allowed offenders ... to have cellphones, but a specific type of cellphone,” Wetzel said. “We did that because we’re really serious about doing a better job with reentry.” Cellphones that are acceptable must not have a camera or recording capabilities. If inmates break that rule, or try to smuggle in their own phone, the device is confiscated and donated to victims of domestic abuse. That program resulted in 1,100 phones being donated. “We’re very excited about this program,” Wetzel said, he said the program enables his administration to make the criminal justice system a “victim-centric” system. “This gives us an opportunity to directly benefit victims by handing these phones over,” The confiscated phones are refurbished by HopeLine By Verizon at no cost to either the DOC or the coalition. According to a news release about the donation, HopeLine By Verizon has donated more than $1 million to the coalition’s network of 60 community-based programs, as well as thousands of cellphones to victims of domestic violence. “This significant donation being made today will truly make a difference in the community we serve,” said Antonio Rodriguez, district manager for Verizon. “It is so important for corporations to collaborate with service agencies and government officials so we can work together to find solutions.” Read More. |
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