Job-hunting prisoners get web access behind bars

Prisoners in London are being allowed limited access to some websites as part of pilot project to help them resettle in the community.

The Programme for Offender Learning and Resettlement Information Services (Polaris) is being trialled in eight London prisons.

It allows prisoners to visit pre-approved websites to take part in online learning and job hunting.

Numerous safeguards are in place including blocks to stop prisoners browsing outside the list of approved sites, software keystroke and content loggers, no offsite hyperlinks and no access to "uncontrolled email".

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A previous pilot scheme to provide limited email access to prisoners due to start in 2007 was shelved after Home Office ministers raised concerns that there were not proper safeguards to stop prisoners making inappropriate use of the email access.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Justice told silicon.com: "Polaris delivers learning programmes and information on job opportunities via safe access to approved websites.

"The accreditation process ensures that … no content other than the authorised training course is available to the prisoner.

"Local security managers are alerted if a contravention of the acceptable use policy is suspected.

"Any attempts at accessing inappropriate material are subject to disciplinary procedures within the prison, which include withdrawing use of the system."