Peter Stein urges online courses for longer‑stay inmates as low‑cost reentry option

Peter Stein presented a data-driven argument that a distinct subgroup of jail inmates — those serving longer periods — could benefit from structured online education and reentry courses.

Stein told the task force he visited the county jail and was struck by conditions, saying he saw people “like caged animals” walking “aimlessly back and forth.” He described analyzing discharge records and plotting cumulative days-in-jail. The chart, he said, showed a total population near 75 and roughly 30 people who will be in custody four months or more — a cohort he described as a feasible target for longer-term programming.

“On the other hand, four months is a particularly long time,” Stein said, and argued that identifying those who will be incarcerated long enough makes program investment more sensible than trying to serve everyone who turns over in days.

Stein proposed using self‑paced online courses — from basic literacy and math to computer skills and vocational tips — that do not require on-site teachers but do require supervised access to course files. He told members the online approach could minimize recurring instructor costs while offering opportunities for GEDs, job readiness and life‑skills training.

Members pressed Stein on practical constraints. Questions included whether the jail could support Wi‑Fi, how to prevent unsupervised internet access, whether to allow only hardwired access to preloaded course content, and how to fund initial capital needs such as laptops or tablets. Stein said a hardwired system that restricted internet access to approved course material could address security concerns.

Task force members and staff also emphasized selection criteria. Multiple speakers urged limiting enrollment to those with scheduled stays long enough to complete meaningful modules — for example, inmates with entitlements of roughly a month or more — and to make participation voluntary to maximize learning outcomes.

The proposal drew supportive remarks linking it to broader reentry work. Chair (speaker 1) noted the idea dovetailed with other reentry items the group plans to include in its report. Participants agreed to explore feasibility, potential partners (including local colleges that offer online degree options), and who would supervise and maintain course access. The task force asked staff to gather cost estimates and possible pilot designs ahead of the next working meeting.