![]() ![]() 17 Some institutions have used traditional security measures, such as metal detectors X-ray technology and routine searches of staff, visitors, and contractors, to detect cell phones. In one case, officials discovered wireless devices outside a perimeter fence and determined that a makeshift launcher catapulted them over the prison wall. Authorities have implemented not only random cell inspections but perimeter searches. 16Īs a result of the influx of wireless phones within facilities, officials have taken aggressive measures to detect them. Smuggled wireless phones also provide a source of additional income to inmates who charge other prisoners up to $50 for each call placed. For example, one correctional officer reported earning more than $100,000 by charging prisoners $100 to $400 per device. In some cases, staff members have accepted bribes, usually for several hundred dollars per device, from inmates to sneak cell phones into facilities. Visitors and employees also smuggle wireless phones and related paraphernalia into prisons. 14 For instance, authorities have found devices hidden under mattresses concealed by wrist watches and contained inside body cavities, rice and cereal containers, false bottoms of boxes, hollowed-out books, toilets, televisions, radios, light fixtures, portable fans, socks, and duffle bags. ![]() Prisoners have creative methods of concealing cell phones and related contraband, such as subscriber identity module (SIM) cards used to store phone numbers and text messages. One Maryland official stated, “Cell phones are perhaps the worst type of contraband because, in most cases, they provide an easy, continuing connection back to the inmate’s life on the street-the type of lifestyle that led to them being incarcerated.” 13 Prisoners have used them to, for example, intimidate and threaten witnesses transmit photographs, including offensive pictures sent to victims orchestrate crimes, such as gang activity coordinate escapes bribe prison officers order retaliation against other inmates text other prisoners gain access to the Internet and create security breaches. 11 Guards at the Danilio Pinherio prison in Brazil discovered that inmates used pigeons to fly phones and related parts in and out of the institution prisoners there allegedly have used wireless phones to coordinate a wave of assaults on law enforcement agencies, banks, and public buses, killing hundreds of people. Authorities in India confiscated more than 600 cell phones in a Gujarat facility. The problem of smuggled devices in prisons occurs worldwide. 9 During a massive search in a Texas institution, authorities recovered approximately 300 wireless phones, including 18 from death row inmates. For example, in 2008, approximately 2,800 devices were confiscated by California officials alone. Inmates smuggle them into facilities in increasing numbers. A recent report concluded that “a significant number of inmates use prison telephones to commit serious crimes.” 8 While prisoners may use their cell phones for benign purposes, such as maintaining contact with family and friends, the devices also may provide inmates with an avenue for conducting criminal activity without concerns about the restrictions imposed on landline telephone use.Ĭell phones represent the latest concern in authorities’ constant struggle against prison and jail contraband. 7Įven despite such limitations, inmate telephone use sometimes may facilitate criminal activity. 6 Finally, authorities may impose restrictions on telephone use based on the security level in which an inmate is housed. 5 As a general matter, correctional staff may monitor inmate calls when “pursuant to a policy statement” and when prisoners receive “reasonable notice that monitoring of telephone conversations might occur” (although a different analysis likely would apply to legal communications). Restrictions may not only limit the number of persons an inmate may call but dictate that none of the individuals have a criminal record. 4 However, it is important to acknowledge that this right has limitations. 3 At least one court has suggested that prisoners may have a right to access. A study of Kentucky correctional personnel found that 92.2 percent believed that inmates should have telephone privileges.
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