The use of cell phones among federal prisoners is a prevalent issue, despite being illegal and punishable with extended prison sentences. The lack of access to cell phones in prison leaves inmates feeling disconnected from their loved ones and the outside world, leading many to take the risk of possessing and using illegal phones. The flow of cell phones into prisons is facilitated through various avenues such as drones, visitors, and corrupt prison guards. The possession of a cell phone comes with steep consequences, including additional prison time and financial costs to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
The use of cell phones in prison poses significant security risks, as they can be used to coordinate criminal activities ranging from drug drops to hits on rivals. Despite efforts to crackdown on cell phone use, the BOP struggles to control the influx of phones into facilities due to staff shortages and the prevalence of corruption among some correction officers. The demand for cell phones among inmates remains high, leading to inflated prices and a thriving black market economy within prisons.
Prisoners who use cell phones cite the need for communication with their families, access to news and entertainment, and connection to the outside world as reasons for taking the risk. The isolation and lack of sanctioned communication methods during lockdowns in prison further drive inmates to seek out cell phones. Attorneys representing inmates grapple with the ethical dilemma of accepting calls from clients using illegal phones, balancing the need for timely information with ethical considerations.
The BOP faces significant financial costs associated with addressing the issue of cell phone use in prisons, with each violation adding days to an inmate’s sentence and increasing the overall cost of incarceration. The use of scrambling equipment to block cell phone calls is one method being employed by the BOP, although it is not yet implemented across all facilities. Staff shortages within the BOP contribute to the challenges of controlling cell phone use and maintaining security within institutions.
Addressing the root causes of cell phone use in prisons, such as limited communication options, staff shortages, and the need for connection to the outside world, may be a positive step towards reducing the prevalence of illegal phones among inmates. The ongoing struggle to combat the influx of cell phones highlights the complex challenges faced by the BOP in maintaining security and control within federal prisons.
