Title: Cell Phones in Prisons | National Institute of Justice
Headings: Cell Phones in Prisons
Cell Phones in Prisons
Introduction
Cell Phones Are a Widespread Problem
Talking About Cell Phones
Cell Phones as Contraband
Shutting Down Cell Phones
Federal Government Rules
Countering the Problem
Guidebook for Administrators
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Content: Cell Phones in Prisons | National Institute of Justice





Cell Phones in Prisons
Date Published
February 8, 2011
Introduction
Cell Phones Are a Widespread Problem
Cell Phones as Contraband
Shutting Down Cell Phones
Federal Government Rules
Countering the Problem
Introduction
A widespread technology that allows people to connect with anyone, anywhere, has created concerns for corrections officials. The use of inexpensive, disposable cell phones has changed the age-old cat-and-mouse game of controlling whom inmates communicate with in the outside world and is creating serious problems for public safety officials. In the 1990s, cellular phones were larger and heavier and had audio capabilities only. Today they are lightweight, can be thinner than a match- book, and can send both audio and data, including written messages and streaming video. Although these advances are welcome in society in general, they have had a negative impact on the law enforcement community, as criminals have taken advantage of cellular technology to conduct illegal activities. Cell Phones Are a Widespread Problem
Talking About Cell Phones
In 2010, NIJ hosted a plenary session "Cell Phones in Prisons," which involved a discussion among Federal and State Corrections officials, the FCC and NTIA. Listen to the plenary or read the transcript. The issue of cellular phone use by criminals, especially prison and jail inmates, gained national attention when a death row inmate used a cell phone to threaten a Texas senator. In Nevada, prison officials fired a dental assistant for helping an inmate get a cell phone to plan a successful escape. In New York, an inmate used a cell phone to orchestrate an attempted escape while on a medical transfer.