Prisoners to get access to satellite TV

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) - Officials say inmates in three prisons near Hagerstown will have access to satellite television. Jon Galley is assistant commissioner of the Division of Correction's Western Region. He says officials hope to have the system installed by the end of November. He says the service will be paid for with money raised through commissary sales and telephone in the prison. It will be available to all inmates who have televisions in their cells. Galley says inmates prefer to stay in their cells when there is a variety of television programming available. He says this reduces the likelihood of gang activity and violence. Corrections spokesman Mark Vernarelli says the main issue is improved security. With inmates choosing to stay in their cells, officers will have fewer inmates to watch. Information from: The... [read full story]