Advisory board approves two-year tablet contract for work‑release communications

The Tippecanoe County Community Corrections Advisory Board voted April 27 to approve a two‑year communications contract with the vendor identified in the packet as 'Chirps and Tablets' to provide tablets for participants in the work‑release facility. Judge Steve Meyer moved to approve the contract; Dave Hullinger seconded, and the motion passed.

Kory George, representing Community Corrections, described the tablet plan and the effect on participant communications: "The tablet would allow participants to purchase service/minutes much like a phone card," he said, and noted the agency would receive a commission on minutes purchased. George also said the contract replaces the current phone provider and that the board may choose not to implement certain features such as video visitation. When asked whether device activity is accessible to law enforcement, staff said data are kept in a database and retained for five years and can be retrieved like other security footage.

The contract was presented by staff and has county attorney review; board approval advances it to the commissioners, who must sign off before it becomes effective. The board recorded the approval as a motion from Judge Meyer, seconded by Dave Hullinger; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.

Next steps: the approved motion will be forwarded to the county commissioners for their consideration and potential execution of the two‑year agreement.