That even varies in the Federal system. In one jurisdiction your cell phone can't even have a camera. In another, smartphones are OK. Same thing with computers. I have heard that in Florida, computer access is strictly forbidden. Where I live, use of the computers at the public library is not a problem. I you want your own personal computer you must pay a $29 monthly fee for monitoring, and sign a form to sign that details your restrictions.

Frog,

Here is a good read with lots of information dealing with supervised release and probation in Rhode Island. It goes into detail what is and is not allowed.

http://tinyurl.com/p35c9ah

Hope this helps,

rewdiazepam

Rew,
Hope you got my other very long complex response.

I've also read where people very, very, very carefully circumvent the smartphone restriction by having a pay as you go flip phone and having a smartphone signed up under someone else's name and it's never in plain site.

Sam, I've even read where people have challenged
and won the right to have a smartphone.

An excellent article; http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/29077-digital-darkness-and-silence-for-sex-offenders-in-the-information-age

Frog,

Yes, I did receive your long PM. I am backed up today helping people, but I will get back with you this evening.

rewdiazpem

I had a flip phone that had a camera on it and my PO almost dis-allowed it. But allowed it as it was my only phone and the camera sucked anyway. When I moved south my PO allowed a smart phone.

Frog - My PO will allow a smartphone if it is needed for work. He seems to make rules that seem to make sense.

I have just been on the phone to my husband. He brought this up after another release meeting he had today. He was told he is allowed a smart phone and to access one other device. No more. He is not allowed to download ANY apps without prior consent even Netflix. He's struggling with it. Not that he wants any devices but the restrictions are confusing. If I see a video on YouTube I want to show him he cannot touch my devices. That will be a breech on his conditions, if our children want help with homework he cannot let them access his device of choice. He so desperately wants his games console but its currently a family console so if he wants to use it he can't use a laptop etc and no one else can access that console. Its all so very confusing so he has to arrange a meeting with his social worker. The way its looking is if the children want to watch Netflix he will not be allowed in the same room.

I was told all devices I own must be password protected so I can have my privacy. If there's a password they wont need to check it. Its all so hazy!

Its really simple. He should not do ANYTHNG without the PO's permission, or knowledge. It will be very cumbersome at first, but once he settles into a set of apps and devices that both he and the PO can live with, it will become a regular routine. He must also be aware and remember not to touch any anyone else's devices.

This is his new reality.

In a lot of ways though how would they find out if he or anyone touched a device? Do they put cameras in your house?

No cameras - but in the Federal Probation System the PO will order periodic polygraph exams. They will ask a question about complying with the PO's rules on computer usage. If the test shows deception, it could mean trouble. The PO can say "no devices at all" - or worse.

Things vary so much county to county in the state I reside. My fiance is allowed a smartphone and computer. He has to have the monitoring software installed on them. I have to have passwords on my computer and I had one on my smartphone when I had one.

He was allowed to have a gaming system, however he had to get rid of it because he lied about his use of it to his PO.

The county next to us he would not be allowed to have a smartphone (or any phone with a camera), a gaming system or a computer. The county above us he would be allowed a computer but not a gaming system or a smartphone. The two other counties surrounding us it would depend on the PO he would be assigned to.

His current PO is very logical. Like I said, he was allowed the gaming system but he lied about what he was doing on it. She also made him cancel his Netflix subscription. If we want cable/satellite service we have ask for permission and have to be very specific on what package we order and who we go through as a provider. We aren't allowed premium movie channels (not that I'd pay for them anyway.)

Up north my PO refused to allow me computer use without monitoring. My company forbid it so I retired. When I moved south my PO allowed it but it was too late to regain my job. :(

My son has approval from his PO to have a computer but he won't , because it's monitored. I don't blame him. I wouldn't want someone watching me online either.

And I guess my next question is after time will those restrictions be lifted or are you stuck for the full term?

Like if you can sit down and prove you need something will they?

You can make a case to have a device if it is needed for work. You probably can't make a case that you need entertainment, games, etc. Don't be confused by what others may have. They may have permission, or they may not care if they get stepped back for a few months. Your probation agreement is with your probation officer.

This is your new reality.