JACKSON – Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain is backing a proposal that would allow state and local correctional facilities to use cellphone jamming technology to combat contraband phones.
Cain said illegal cellphones are used to arrange escapes, bring drugs into correctional facilities and coordinate violence.
“We need the ability to stop these illegal communications,” Cain said. “Giving us this tool would help protect our officers, our inmates and the public.”
The Federal Communications Commission is scheduled to vote Nov. 19 on rules that would allow, but not require, state and local prisons and jails to use cellphone jamming technology.
MDOC is encouraging anyone with information about an inmate possessing a cellphone or other contraband to report it through the department’s website at mdoc.ms.gov by selecting “Report Contraband.”
The department also released photos showing examples of illegal cellphones and accessories that have been seized inside MDOC facilities.
