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by tmosleyIII 4098 days ago
I've installed quite a few of the existing solutions in quite a few prisons. I think the biggest factor that you pointed out is the existing provider.

Currently, there are only a handful of major players that really offer services in corrections. They are all currently trying to turn into the Apple/Google/Microsoft of corrections. So when you are trying to offer SMS services, they already have those services bundled. Along with video visitation, commissary, grievance reporting (kites), inmate phones and just a whole list of other services.

If you are doing an application for a tablet device then you wouldn't need the steel inmate proof case. Quite a few of the current tablet solutions are see through plastic.

The best way to get your messaging solution into prisons is to piggyback on other solutions. There are quite a few companies with solutions that are running around trying to throw what they have on as many platforms as possible. The key is to build a platform and have it to where it runs your messaging app.

Another thing with some of the current messaging solutions in the corrections market is that they will charge the price of a stamp for messages.

If installation inside of a prison is another hurdle, there are companies that you can work with on that.

I was dealing with this for about 5 years and have a whole bunch more to say about the opportunities but I'll just stop here.

1 comments

I'd love to pick your brain about the existing prisons you've worked with. I'm working on a new project soon w/ Penmate that I'm currently doing a bit of R&D on. If you've got time to chat, can you shoot me an email at nick[at]penmateapp.com?