ACJ Distributes New Tablets to Incarcerated Population

Published on October 01, 2026

PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County Jail Interim Warden Connie Clark announced today that the jail has distributed new tablets to the jail’s incarcerated population. The distribution of tablets marks the final step in the execution of the county’s communication contract with GTL/ViaPath that runs through March 2029.

In addition to the new tablets, which are provided free of charge without any cost to Allegheny County taxpayers, the contract provides all residents with 30 minutes of free phone calls per day and significantly reduces other costs associated with telephone and video visitation.

“Because we know that it is important for individuals who are incarcerated to maintain contact with their loved ones, we prioritized affordable communication by significantly reducing fees and incorporating more free minutes per person per day,” Clark said.

Fees for phone calls beyond the 30 minutes of free calling per day have been reduced from $0.16 per minute to $0.035 per minute, and video visitation has been reduced from $0.25/minute to $0.07/minute. Replacement costs of the tablets were reduced from $350 to $255.

The jail began offering free daily phone calls for incarcerated individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic and launched the tablet program in 2020 to better facilitate communication efforts and educational opportunities to the incarcerated population.

Through the tablets, residents have free access to books, health and wellness and educational programs, a legal library and other features. Paid services include video visitation, phone calls beyond the free 30 minutes, text messaging, games, news and streaming services for movies and music.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jesse Geleynse, Public Information Officer for the Allegheny County Jail
jesse.geleynse@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-350-1267 or 412-760-4790 (cell).