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National Institute of Justice (NIJ): Research, Development, Evaluation
 

Cell Phones Behind Bars

by National Institute of JusticeDecember 2009

Cell Phones Behind Bars looks at developments in cellular telephone technology that are of concern to corrections and public safety officials. Criminals, especially prison and jail inmates, are taking advantage of the portability and written message, audio, and video capabilities of cellular phones to plan escapes or harass and threaten their victims. High- and low-technology approaches for intercepting or blocking phone signals are being tested and used, and legislation is pending that would permit prison and jail officials to use cell-phone-jamming equipment.