Prison inmates’ illegal use of contraband cell phones is on the rise and poses a major security threat to prison officials and the public, according to a new government report released yesterday by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
“All of the BOP (Bureau of Prisons) officials, as well as officials from all eight of the state departments of correction with whom GAO spoke, cited cell phones as a major security concern, given the potential the phones provide for inmates to have unmonitored conversations that could further criminal activity, such as selling drugs or harassing other individuals,” the report states.
The number of cell phones confiscated by prison officials doubled between 2008 and 2010, according to the report.
The Communications Act forbids prison officials from using jammers to block cell phone signals. The GAO in its report did not recommend using jammers, instead advising the Bureau of Prisons to step up its use of technology that can detect cell phone signals, which allows officials to then confiscate smuggled devices. The report also suggested the BOP coordinate with other agencies that are also working on the issue.
Cell phones can allow criminals to continue illegal activity from within prison walls.
David Maurer, director of homeland security and justice issues at the GAO, said in a transcribed interview that one inmate used a cell phone to run an identity theft ring with criminals outside the prison. The gang allegedly racked up more than $250,000 of stolen goods before being discovered by federal law enforcement, Maurer said.
CTIA President and CEO Steve Largent said in a statement he was pleased with the GAO’s approach.
“The GAO does not recommend jamming and in fact the report notes, consistent with our view, that jamming wireless signals can cause interference to cell phone signals outside of a prison institution and violates the Communications Act. Finally, GAO noted that better screening and the use of non-interfering technological solutions can help combat the problem,” he said. “CTIA and its members support efforts to prevent the smuggling of contraband phones into correctional facilities and will continue to work with the appropriate authorities at all levels of government to combat this problem.”
