What happens to contraband cell phones confiscated from prisoners? Here are two articles discussing the donation of these smuggled wireless devices to soldiers and veterans through the organizations Cell Phones for Soldiers and Soldiers Incorporated respectively. We applaud the decision of these Michigan and Georgia prisons to make sure these contraband cell phones are put to good use after being confiscated. LEESBURG, GA — The Macon State Prison donated 1,204 cell phones to a local […]
inmates
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This article discusses the new $25 fee charged to inmates’ visitors at the Arizona DOC facilites. In the article, Wendy Baldo, chief of staff for the Arizona Senate states, “”We were trying to cut the budget and think of ways that could help get some services for the Department of Corrections.” We at meshDETECT have a better idea. Rather than charge families to visit inmates, why not offer a secure cell phone service that generates […]
Its not just contraband cell phones that are smuggled into prisons. This article describes the many contraband items found in jail and the methods used to smuggle them in. Suboxone strips hidden under stamps or in the seal of an envelope. Necklaces made out of garbage bags. Toothbrushes and plastic spoons sharpened into weapons. Tobacco or drugs smuggled in bodily cavities, thrown over the prison fence, or left at a public location where prisoners can […]
An interesting article on the use of electronic devices to aid in managing and controlling prisoners. According to the prison warden, “It’s a way of managing them. When an inmate gets idle, they start fighting. Allowing prisoners to own entertainment devices gives the guards something to take away if a prisoner misbehaves. If there’s a rule violation, the first thing we do is take away their property.” Given that most prisoners seek contraband cell phones […]
Larry Stone made a phone call from the Lake County Jail that would typically cost about $20, but it didn’t go through. The charge was supposed to be refunded to his inmate account. But, the 32-year-old checked his balance and discovered his account now had more money than before the call. He made another call and hung up to test his luck. Again, more money magically appeared. He repeated the exercise 77 times, exploiting the […]
This decision is interesting for a number of reasons. First, it acknowledges that implementing in prison the technologies that are in common use outside of prison can reduce contraband, improve detainee behavior and guard safety; all while raising revenue for the DOC. We believe the meshDETECT secure cell phone service will accomplish the same goals. However, using our secure cell phones to access email or MP3s is operationally much more efficient and cost effective by […]
This article looks at the impact incarceration and separation has on the children of prisoners. The article states, “Sending a copy of the school report to the prison, for example, or arranging a phone call with a jailed parent, can help prisoners remain engaged with their child’s progress at school.” One of the great features of the meshDETECT secure prison cell phone service is the ability for prisoners to receive inbound phone calls in jail. […]
Another article about the corrupting influence of contraband such as cell phones on guards in prison. Interestingly, this guard, “charged $200 to get drugs into the jail, $200 for a carton of cigarettes and $250 for a cell phone.” Is the ability to communicate with loved ones while in jail more valuable to prisoners than drugs or cigarettes? On Monday a former District of Columbia Department of Corrections officer pleaded guilty to charges of accepting […]
This article on California’s contraband prison cell phone problem speaks for itself…But a key statement is, “Both prison officials and inmates we spoke with agreed that a large majority of inmates are using the phones to stay in contact with loved ones.” A secure prison cell phone service will reduce the contraband value of smuggled cell phones and allow detainees to keep in contact with loved ones. The smuggling of cell phones into California’s state […]
A new law has been passed to ban cell phones in prison cells in Rhode Island. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Michael J. McCaffrey and Rep. Raymond H. Johnston Jr. sponsored the bill that makes it illegal for prisoners to possess “any portable electronic communication device.” Under the new law, inmates caught using a cell phone can be punished by a $5,000 fine, a maximum penalty of five more years added on to their prison sentence, […]