To the Georgia Department of Corrections, State Legislators, and Prison Administrators:

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the Georgia Department of Corrections and state policymakers implement a program allowing incarcerated individuals to have access to secure, monitored cellular communication devices.

Families of incarcerated individuals often struggle to obtain timely and accurate information regarding the health, safety, and well-being of their loved ones. During emergencies, lockdowns, medical incidents, extreme heat events, or other critical situations, communication can be delayed or unavailable, causing unnecessary distress for families and leaving incarcerated individuals isolated.

We believe that secure and monitored communication devices can:

Improve safety and emergency communication.
Increase transparency and accountability within correctional facilities.
Strengthen family relationships and support systems.
Improve mental health and reduce isolation.
Assist with rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.
Allow incarcerated individuals to report emergencies, abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions through approved channels.
Provide families with peace of mind regarding the welfare of their loved ones.
We recognize the need for institutional security. Therefore, we support a system that includes:

Monitored and recorded communications.
Restrictions on unauthorized contacts.
Limited internet access or approved applications only.
Device management and tracking by correctional authorities.
Disciplinary consequences for misuse.
The goal is not unrestricted access, but rather a balanced system that protects security while recognizing the importance of communication, safety, and human dignity.

We urge the Georgia General Assembly, the Georgia Department of Corrections, and the Georgia Board of Corrections to study and implement policies that expand secure communication access for incarcerated individuals and their families.

Signed,

Date: ___________________