Story Summary:

The Illinois Department of Corrections launched a program this year that limits inmates’ access to physical mail and instead lets them view electronically scanned images of their mail on tablet computers.

The department says the program is intended to reduce the flow of illegal drugs and other contraband entering prisons through inmates’ personal mail.

Critics of the program say there’s little evidence that mail is a major source of contraband entering prisons, and they argue the program violates prisoners’ civil rights.

The program was launched through adoption of emergency rules in August and is now taking public comments before adopting permanent rules.

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.

SPRINGFIELD (Capitol News Illinois

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