Mobile phones in prison
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged with Cell phones in prison. (Discuss) Proposed since January 2013. |
In most prisons, inmates are banned from possessing mobile phones due to their ability to communicate with the outside world and other security issues. Mobile phones are one of the most smuggled items into prisons. They provide inmates the ability to make and receive unauthorized phone calls, send email and text messages, use social media, and follow news pertaining to their case, among uses forbidden uses.[1]
Methods of smuggling
Most mobile phones are smuggled in by prison staff, who often do not have to go through security as rigorous as visitors. Security of staff is often less intense because this would be time-consuming on the part of the staff, thereby requiring they get paid for this time, and increasing the overall cost of operations.Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page).
Once inside prison walls, the devices end up in the hands of inmates who purchase them with cash, which is also contraband in most prisons. Black market prices vary by prison, and can be up to $1000.[1]
Uses by prisoners
While some prisoners use their mobile devices simply for harmless communication or web browsing, others use them for illegal activity. These may include gang control, taunting witnesses, planning escapes, or arrangement of other serious crimes.[1]
Not all inmates use mobile phones for harmful purposes. Many inmates use them to hold innocuous conversations with family and friends.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).
Combating mobile phones in prisons
Laws have been passed in various jurisdictions, placing penalties on inmates who possess mobile devices as well as staff who smuggle them in. Inmate penalties range from loss of privileges and behavior credits to additional sentencing. Staff penalties range from disciplinary action to job loss to criminal charges.[2]
Consideration has been given to using cell phone jammers inside of prison walls to render them ineffective. The practice of jamming cell phone signals is illegal in the United States. Exceptions to this law have been considered for prisons, though there is concern that a cell phone could be a guard's lifeline in a crisis, and other rescuers may need to use them for communication.Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page).[3]
Some places are using an experimental technology of managed communications that blocks the communications of inmates while continuing to allow that of others.Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page).
Special dogs have been used to sniff for cell phones coming into prison walls. Mobile phones have a unique scent, and these dogs have been trained to detect it.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "Smuggled cellphones a growing problem in California Prisons". CBS. October 17, 2012. Retrieved December 3, 2012.
- ^ Suzanne Choney. "Lawmaker seeks penalties for prison cell phone smuggling". NBC News. Retrieved December 3, 2012.
- ^ http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/law-enforcement-bulletin/july-2010/cell-phones-as-prison-contraband
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