The money was used to purchase 1,247 games, including Mortal Kombat 1 and Street Fighter 6, as well as Madden NFL and NBA 2K24.
The New York City Department of Corrections hopes that access to video games will help reduce fights and rule violations among inmates, especially youth.
Some prison officials support the measure, arguing that video games encourage the behavior in inmates.
But critics say that doesn’t justify the costs and only emboldens criminals. Former Rikers corrections officer Celestino Monclova believes that providing such privileges to inmates contributes to increased crime.
Benny Boscio, president of the Correctional Officers Welfare Association, also criticized the decision and said the money could be better spent on improving prison conditions, such as installing air conditioning during hot weather.
Source: Ferra
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