The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is getting ready to deploy a new system that will block cell phone connectivity, including texting, Internet access and voice calls, by prison inmates who many times use devices to conduct criminal activities on the outside.
“Managed Access is one method CDCR is using to eliminate the use of contraband cellular devices. The technology will assist the Department in preventing inmates from committing more crimes utilizing cell phones from inside prisons,” said Tammy Irwin, unified communications manager for the department.
Prisons have struggled with cell phone smuggling, with device confiscations skyrocketing from 1,400 to 15,000 over the last four years. Last year, Governor Brown signed SB 26 which makes it a misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to 6 month in county jail and up to $5,000 fine per device, to possess an unauthorized cell phone, or to try to smuggle one into prison.
A pilot project in Avenal State Prison near Fresno will go live on Oct. 31, followed by 35 more institutions over the next few years.
How it works: A distributed antenna system and base controller will provide a secure umbrella over certain areas of the institution to shut down most cell phone activity. State-issued phones will still work as well as access to the 911 system for all phones. Unlike call jamming, an illegal practice, the Managed Access System has been approved by the FCC.
The project is being implemented at no cost to the taxpayers, says Irwin. Global Tel-Link, the contractor which runs the prison payphone system, is paying the costs with the hope that additional revenues will result from more collect calls to prisoners once the program is operational.
