NCJ Number
170705
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 59 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1997) Pages: 80-84
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes how the Florida Department of Correction established an Internet use policy.
Abstract
The Florida Department of Correction drafted a formal Internet policy document to answer questions regarding: the potential uses of the Internet by the department; the proper use of the Internet by department employees; how the department could protect itself from lawsuits or embarrassing situations resulting from staff use; and access to the Internet by inmates. The department has provided employee access to the Internet for almost 18 months, with generally positive results. Staff have shown good judgment in using the Internet as a research and communications tool, have exercised good Internet etiquette, and have not abused the access privilege. Inmates are not allowed direct access to the Internet. In the near future, the department will deploy its own Internet server and is developing an Intranet server capability. The article offers suggestions to other agencies interested in creating their own Web sites, and guidelines to help them move from the role of Internet receiver/consumer to that of information source/producer.