The existing computers, which correctional officers may use during lunch periods, and before and after the start of their shifts, are underutilized as it is. While it may be true that the lounge computers are often being repaired, this is in large part a result of officers downloading games and other software which causes the computers to crash. Having computer access would detract unnecessarily from these responsibilities. Nevertheless, these occasional lapses do not establish a need for the Union's proposal. Contrary to the Union's view, all of the other employees at the facility do not have access to the LAN system at their work areas, and correctional officers are not being discriminated against in this connection.
Management agrees to provide a typewriter in the lounge area for correctional officers.
As with the computers, it has security concerns about putting typewriters in the Counseling Rooms within the Housing Units, as the Union intends. In this regard, the facility's Computer Service Manager believes that all such equipment should be locked behind double doors to ensure that it is kept away from inmates, and the Counseling Rooms have only a single locked door. Finally, there is no merit to the Union's proposal for a telephone with outside line capability in the Housing Units because correctional officers can make short telephone calls home if necessary through the switchboard operator. Having carefully reviewed the evidence and arguments presented, we are persuaded that a compromise solution should be imposed to resolve the parties' impasse over this issue. Regarding access to computers with LAN capability, it is unclear from the record whether the number of correctional officers who would use such equipment is sufficient to justify the considerable cost of the proposal.