The Rise of Contraband Cell Phones as a Threat to Prison Security
The increasing availability and decreasing cost of mobile phones have made them common and valuable commodities in prisons. While communication with the outside world is important for family ties and rehabilitation, illegal cell phone use creates serious security issues.
One of the primary risks of contraband cell phones is unmonitored communication. Inmates can use them to plan crimes, intimidate witnesses, and even coordinate escapes. Illegal cell phone usage also weakens prison security by breaking isolation and control. Inmates using social media make the problem worse by showcasing their lives, which can threaten public safety and reduce the impact of prison as a deterrent.
Without cell phone detection and prevention technology in place, mobile phones can disrupt the safety and stability of entire correctional facilities.
How a Cell Phone Detector Enhances Prisons Security
Cell phone detectors help effectively combat problems caused by contraband or unauthorized devices. Advanced cell phone detection technology, like Cellbusters’ Zone Protector, detects radio frequency (RF) signals to identify and locate contraband devices within prison walls. The detection capabilities are highly configurable. Prison staff can change the signal range to scan only cell blocks, exercise yards, or dining halls so that administrative devices are not flagged as a concern.
Cell phone detectors also allow prison staff to zero in on contraband cell phones with pinpoint accuracy. This ability allows prison staff to discreetly intercept phone use before inmates hide devices or alert others.
Cell phone detectors can accurately scan large areas and many inmates at once, making them much more effective than manual searches at finding hidden phones. By cutting down the time spent on manual searching, cell phone detection technology frees up time and resources for prisons to focus on rehabilitation efforts, conflict prevention, monitoring violent offenders, and vocational opportunities. A safer and more humane prison environment is more successful at reducing recidivism, which benefits the community.
Other Solutions to Increasing Prison Security
Addressing the threat of contraband cell phones in prisons requires a comprehensive approach that combines technological advancements and increased monitoring.
Signal Jamming
Signal jamming technology can be an effective measure to disrupt cellular communication within prisons. Signal jammers prevent contraband cell phones from connecting to mobile networks, rendering them ineffective. Certain cell phone detectors are designed to work in tandem with signal jammers for maximum security.
While cell phone detectors do not interfere with communication, cell phone jammers overwhelm wireless or cellular signals. Jammers interfere with wireless signals and can affect nearby devices, so they’re tightly regulated by law. In contrast, cell phone detectors are legal to use.
Managed Access Systems
Using managed access systems allows prisons to control and monitor communication within the facility. These high-level systems route communications through a system that mimics a network tower. Unlike cell phone detectors, which simply detect devices, managed access systems can control authorized devices, like those belonging to prison staff, and block unauthorized cell phones.
To achieve the highest level of security, it’s common for prisons to use both cell phone detection and managed access systems.
Employee Training
Training prison staff to recognize and respond to contraband cell phones is part of a comprehensive strategy. Educating employees on the risks of cell phones in prisons and giving them clear guidelines for identifying and reporting suspicious behavior can enhance overall security measures.
Cell phone detectors are typically intuitive and easy to use. While staff training is required, this technology can run autonomously as a central monitoring and control system.
Cell Phone Lockers
Installing cell phone lockers in strategic prison locations allows visitors, including staff, to store their phones before entering restricted areas. While cell phone detectors can identify the exact location of a device, a multifaceted security approach gives better control and visibility over contraband.
Random Searches
Random searches, both of inmates and their living quarters, is a proactive measure to find contraband, including cell phones. While random searches are intentionally unpredictable to prevent inmates from hiding banned items, cell phone detectors can locate electronic devices more efficiently than searches.
Random searches rely on luck and are time-consuming, requiring prison staff to search every corner of a correctional facility. Manual searches can also cause tension or pushback, especially if inmates feel unfairly targeted. Cell phone detectors offer a better solution by quickly identifying who has a device, allowing staff to follow up directly.
The Benefits of Better Prison Security with Cell Phone Detectors
Ensuring strong prison security is crucial for maintaining order, preventing escapes, and safeguarding the well-being of both inmates and staff. Implementing effective security measures offers numerous benefits that contribute to a safer and more controlled prison environment.
Inmate Safety
By minimizing the risks associated with violence, contraband, and unauthorized communication, prisons can create an environment that prioritizes the well-being of those in custody.
Staff Safety
Cell phone detectors contribute to staff safety by reducing the likelihood of inmates feeling unfairly targeted during random searches. Knowing exactly where a contraband device is means that trained security personnel can be the ones responsible for reprehending the inmate.
Escape Prevention
Efficient cell phone detection plays a crucial role in preventing escapes, as inmates often use phones to plan and coordinate with people outside. By finding and removing these devices, prisons can stop escape attempts before they happen and keep inmates securely inside.
Cost Savings
Investing in cell phone detection can save money in the long run by preventing security issues, legal problems, and costly repairs. A secure environment minimizes the financial impact of managing crises.
Safeguarding Prison Security With Cell Phone Detection
As prison security challenges grow, a flexible and well-rounded approach is key to maintaining safety and order. Cellbuster’s Zone Protector™ is designed for immediate and accurate cell phone detection. It continuously scans for cell phone signals and RF transmissions, activating customizable alerts or silently logging detected activity. Engineered to the highest of standards, the Zone Protector™ offers excellent accuracy with virtually zero false positives.
Contraband cell phones catch jails off-guard all the time. Keep inmates and staff safe with real-time detection and best-in-class security measures. Cellbusters puts the ‘best’ in ‘best in class. Interested in what Zone Manager™ and Zone Protector™ have to offer? Add maximum security to your environment today. Learn more.
