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ANAMOSA For much of the day, Deshawn Bullock sits in his cell in the Anamosa State Penitentiary and passes the time. There are books. He can watch TV or write letters. And then theres his music.

I had to have it, Bullock, 40, said about the option of buying a CD player when he was sentenced to up to 30 years in prison on drug and escape charges. I have to keep myself out of trouble.

Bullock is one of many inmates in Iowas prisons who use CD players for entertainment, comfort and to relax.

Juston Gruner of Cedar Rapids (left) and Deshawn Bullock share their thoughts on new computer kiosks that will be unveiled soon across the state prison system, during an interview at the Anamosa State Penitentiary. Iowas prison system is on the verge of unveiling new computer kiosks that will allow inmates to send virtual grievances and questions to prison staff, along with a new MP3 player system that will allow inmates to download music to personal players rather than buying CDs. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)

Inmates are limited in the number of CDs they can have, but the Iowa Department of Corrections is rolling out a system in the next several months that will change that by enhancing inmates musical options through digital technology.

Music kiosks are being installed in all of Iowas nine prisons that will let inmates download songs onto MP3 players they can buy through the prison commissary. The move will keep inmates, to some degree, up to speed on todays fast-moving technology while also cutting down on the amount of property that has to be searched.

Prison officials believe its important to offer inmates music because, for starters, it can keep them out of trouble. Many of the states younger offenders, for example, became comfortable using electronics as a stress-reliever on the outside, said Sheryl Dahm, assistant deputy director for the Iowa Department of Corrections eastern region.

It is their relaxation, she said. We have to, at some point, reach out to where theyre at in their generation.

Offering MP3 players also addresses a safety issue.

We want to offer things that you cannot use to hide contraband, said Dahm, An MP3 player is smaller in size and you cant take it apart as easy.

Originally posted here:
New music, digital options in store for Iowa inmates