September 4, 2004
Mobile phones rising prison security threat
Mobile phones are becoming a significant security threat in Australian correctional facilities, an investigation into the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (MRRC) in Silverwater, NSW, has revealed, reports ZDnet.
"According to the he Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the presence of mobile phones in gaols present dangers such as "assisting inmates in arranging and executing criminal enterprises", providing a channel for inmates to conspire on acts of violence or organise escape attempts, and more "sophisticated phones" may also allow inmates to take photographs of correctional staff to identify them to outside collaborators.
The ICAC said the NSW government has suggested a "trial of jamming technology at the Lithgow Correctional Centre" to prevent mobile phones from being operational within the confines of the facility, but it said the ACA has yet to give its approval for the trial."
Related articles on how inmates around the world using cell phones as a recurring issue:
-- The newest prison contraband: cellphones - Cellphones are becoming the newest form of coveted contraband, allowing inmates to communicate freely with the outside world and, at times, conduct illicit activity from behind bars.
-- Cell phones becoming one of most prized contraband items - Cell phones have joined the ranks of the most prized illicit commodities inside Texas prison cells
-- Crossed signals over jail mobile phone jamming - The New South Wales Government has accused the Federal Government of blocking a trial of mobile phone jamming in the State's jails
-- Prisoners shown smoking drugs and using mobiles - A Brazilian TV station has shocked the country by screening footage of maximum security prisoners freely smoking cannabis and using mobile phones.
-- Inmate Sentenced for Nextel Phone Scam - A US inmate used a jail telephone to impersonate Hollywood executives and dupe Nextel Communications out of more than 1,000 cell phones.
-- Mobiles in top security prison - Four mobiles were discovered hidden by inmates at one of Britain's top security prisons.
-- Staying well connected in jail - A mafia don in prison in New Delhi, planned the killing of Police officers by SMS.
-- Convict ran drug ring from prison - A Canadian inmate organized a cocaine run from Miami to Canada. Partners on the outside paid for his cell phone bills through phone cards.
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