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California Combats Growing Cellphone Problem with Technology

NCJ Number
246999
Journal
Techbeat Dated: May/June 2014 Pages: 10-13
Author(s)
Becky Lewis
Date Published
June 2014
Length
4 pages
Annotation

This article in TechBeat magazine discusses California's efforts to deal with the problem of contraband cellphones in its correctional facilities.

Abstract

This article discusses the State of California's efforts to deal with the problem of contraband cellphones in its correctional facilities. Intelligence gathering efforts by correctional administrators has found that inmates use contraband cellphones to plan drug transactions and communicate with other criminals outside of prison. These efforts also revealed that most contraband cellphones were came into the prisons by being thrown over the fence. The article discusses current efforts to prevent contraband cellphones from entering prisons such as improved lighting and the use of surveillance cameras, and the use of handheld cellphone detectors. The State is also working with the National Institute of Justice to find technology that performs more effectively in correctional facilities.