Corrections Confronts Cell Phones in Prisons
COLUMBIA (September 3, 2008) – In an effort to further combat criminal activity within the state prison system, the S.C. Department of Corrections has invited CellAntenna Corp., a private company that provides technology capable of blocking cell phone signals, to demonstrate its services Sept. 9 at Lieber Correctional Institution in Ridgeville, S.C. The practice is currently banned by the federal government, even though cell phones illegally smuggled into prisons represent a growing threat to public safety, as well as the safety of prison staff and inmates. Inmates are using phones to conduct criminal activity outside prison walls and coordinate attempts to smuggle illegal contraband like drugs, alcohol and tobacco into prisons. The Corrections Department utilizes metal detectors, visitor inspections and patrols the exteriors of maximum-security facilities like Lieber 24-hours-a-day to prevent cell phones from being smuggled into prisons. Unfortunately, what could be the most effective method to stamp out cell phone usage, signal-blocking technology like that provided by CellAntenna, is forbidden because of the Federal Communications Act of 1934. The act allows federal agencies to use jamming devices but prohibits local and state law enforcement from using such equipment. Originally, this prohibition was based on interference with “outside” communications by jamming equipment. Advanced technology employed by CellAntenna, however, is able to block cell phone signals within a targeted area without interfering with the general public. Prisons in other countries already use it. “Everyday across our nation, inmates are coordinating and continuing their criminal enterprises from behind prison walls using wireless technology,” Corrections Director Jon Ozmint said. “They are running gangs, making threats, extorting money, engaging in credit card and tax fraud, and making drug deals.” The Corrections Department has asked the FCC to allow state law enforcement to use blocking technology. CellAntenna Corp., which is based out of Coral Springs, Fla., has a pending Petition for Rulemaking before the FCC to allow state and local governments to use jamming equipment. “The federal government knows that blocking technology can eliminate this threat without disrupting other calls,” Mr. Ozmint said. “We hope this demonstration will spark needed change.” Members of South Carolina’s Congressional Delegation, state lawmakers, law enforcement officials, the FCC and others have been invited to the demonstration. The media are welcomed and encouraged to attend. Media Participation The demonstration starts at 1:30 p.m. However, participants can arrive to Lieber as early as 12:30 p.m. and are urged to do so because of the amount of time needed to properly process visitors. (Please Continue on Next Page)
Media interested in participating must contact Josh Gelinas at 803-896-8578, or Gelinas.josh@docs.state.sc.us - Please bring only drivers licenses into the facility. - Purses, wallets and money of any kind, including credit cards, are prohibited in the facility. - Cameras and recording devices are permitted. - Inmates cannot be identified in photographs, video or by name in stories. Lieber Correctional Institution is located at 136 Wilborn Ave, Ridgeville, S.C., 29472. Click on the following link for assistance with directions: http://www.doc.sc.gov/institutions/lieber.jsp#drive