Attorneys general push for federal legislation to allow cell phone jamming in prisons

Attorney General Chris Carr is joining 21 other attorneys general in urging Congressional leaders to pass legislation that would allow states to use a cell phone jamming system in prisons.

Currently, federal law prohibits the use of jamming technology.

As of Jan. 1, 2023, the Georgia Department of Corrections has conducted 126 full facility shakedowns, resulting in the removal of more than 23,000 contraband items. This includes 8,074 contraband cell phones confiscated last year alone.

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The 22 attorneys general sent a letter on Jan. 25 outlining the national challenges associated with contraband cell phones.

The letter reads, in part: “Inmate use of contraband cell phones is one of the most serious issues facing prison administrators today. Inmates use contraband cell phones to organize murders, riots, drug deals, fraud, and much more. By utilizing contraband cell phones, inmates are easily able to continue their criminal activities from inside prison.”

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