The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act has been reintroduced by the Congressman

Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) has reintroduced the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2022, aimed at curbing contraband cell phone use in federal and state prison facilities. This bill would authorize the use of cell phone jamming systems by state and federal prisons to enhance the safety of inmates, guards, and the general public.

The U.S. Senate saw the introduction of the companion bill by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Furthermore, Representatives William Timmons (SC-04), Tom Rice (SC-07), Ralph Norman (SC-05), and Jeff Duncan (SC-03) are co-sponsors of this legislation.

Congressman Kustoff stated that in correctional facilities throughout the nation, prisoners are utilizing contraband cell phones for unlawful purposes such as managing drug operations, aiding in sex trafficking, and coordinating escape attempts.The illicit mobile phones pose a significant challenge, prompting Congress to implement measures safeguarding the public from hazardous offenders conducting unlawful operations while incarcerated.I am delighted to collaborate with Senators Cotton and Graham in reintroducing this crucial bill aimed at ensuring the safety of our communities in West Tennessee and across the United States.

Inmates have utilized illicit cell phones to coordinate unlawful endeavors beyond the confines of correctional facilities, such as orchestrating attacks on adversaries, engaging in human trafficking, managing drug enterprises, and conducting business transactions.Cellphone signal jamming devices have the capability to prevent this, however, the Federal Communications Act prohibits facilities from utilizing this technology. The proposed bill aims to address this issue, ensuring that criminals can serve their sentences without endangering the public.

The Correctional Leaders Association, the Council of Prison Locals, the American Correctional Association, the National Sheriff's Association, and the Major County Sheriffs of America all endorse this legislation.

The prevalence of contraband cell phones is extensive within federal and state prison facilities. Inmates have utilized these unauthorized devices to engage in illicit activities, such as orchestrating targeted attacks on individuals beyond prison confines, operating illegal drug networks, facilitating unlawful business transactions, promoting sex trafficking, and coordinating escape plans that pose risks to correctional staff, fellow inmates, and the general public.

The South Carolina Prison Incident was ignited by the presence of cell phones and contraband. A violent clash between rival gangs, fueled by the illicit trade of contraband facilitated through cell phones, erupted within the confines of the Lee Correctional Institution near Bishopville, South Carolina. Tragically, this altercation resulted in the loss of seven inmates' lives and left 20 others injured.

In 2013, Lt. Osvaldo Albarati, a correctional officer at the Bureau of Prisons, was killed for disrupting an illegal contraband cell phone operation. The inmate responsible for his murder used a contraband cell phone to coordinate the assassination with a hired gunman, as detailed in the legal charges.

In 2018, a report revealed that a prisoner at FCI Fort Dix orchestrated a murder and assault using a smuggled phone while incarcerated in a New Jersey prison. Another inmate at the same facility was accused of possessing and sharing child pornography through a contraband phone. Additionally, six other inmates admitted guilt in separate cases.

The utilization of contraband cell phones extends beyond enabling violent criminals to persist in their illicit endeavors. According to The Wall Street Journal, Martin Shkreli, the disgraced pharmaceutical executive convicted of securities fraud and sentenced to seven years, managed to exert influence over decisions at Phoenixus AG by means of a contraband cell phone.