Jammers are very complex electronic devices

The Government of the National Capital Territory has revealed intentions to explore the implementation of technology capable of disrupting mobile phone signals at the Alexander McConnocke Centre in Canberra. The prevalence of mobile phones among confiscated contraband in the nation is on the rise. Recently, a new GPS jamming device was set up at the Supermax 2 high-security facility in Goulburn, which accommodates individuals classified as extremists and terrorists. Should the initial test yield positive results, the individual will undergo a two-year trial in a New South Wales prison.

The most recent generation of systems is equipped with multiple antennas that disrupt the frequencies typically used for mobile phone signals, thereby making the devices inoperable. A representative from the Community Justice and Safety Agency indicated that the trial's results in Goulburn may pave the way for the adoption of this technology in the ACT. "The deployment of cellular jamming at the Alexander McConnocke Centre was quite intricate," he remarked. "It is crucial to emphasize that this technology has been tested in Australia previously, and thus far, it has not yielded successful outcomes. The resulting solution is also significantly costly."

The Alexander McConnocke Centre offers a diverse selection of mobile phones. In 2017, The Canberra Times reported that inmates were discovered in possession of thumb-sized mobile phones. Due to their compact design, these portable bluetooth jammer can be concealed within body cavities, and their minimal metal composition makes them less detectable by metal detectors. A representative from the ACT Justice and Security Authority stated that the human rights laws in the ACT would not hinder Canberra Prison from implementing mobile phone jamming technology, as mobile phones are classified as prohibited items. "At present, detainees maintain contact with their friends and family via phone and email through the [Alexander McCannock Centre]," he remarked.

ACT Law Enforcement Inspector Neil McAllister stated that the territorial governments ought to postpone any actions until Galben successfully apprehends the saboteurs. A significant consideration regarding the implementation of jamming technology in Canberra is its potential impact on individuals in the vicinity of the prison, particularly those traveling on the Monaro Freeway who may require access to emergency services.

Using jamming devices in prisons

OKLAHOMA CITY - A significant number of unauthorized mobile phones have been acquired by inmates through illicit means. However, prison authorities reported on Monday that they are restricted from employing one of the most effective methods to combat this issue: phone jamming technology. Officials from Oklahoma and South Carolina provided testimony to an Oklahoma Senate committee, demonstrating the proven efficacy of mobile phone jamming. Unfortunately, federal regulations prevent government entities from utilizing this technology, and the cellphone industry has opposed its implementation.

In the previous year, Oklahoma authorities confiscated over 5,200 illicit cell phones from inmates. Mike Carpenter, the security director for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, indicated that while this figure represents a decrease of approximately 7,500 from the prior year, the issue continues to be significant. Carpenter noted that a confrontation between rival gangs at an Oklahoma prison intensified last month following altercations involving smuggled cell phones at various other facilities. This incident resulted in one inmate's death and left more than a dozen others injured.

Mr. Carpenter expressed confidence in the effectiveness of cell phone traffic jamming, stating, "Absolutely." Gerard Keegan, a representative of the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, emphasized that the cellphone industry mainly depends on obstructing signals from legitimate users. He voiced his opposition to the deployment of portable cell phone jammers within correctional facilities. Keegan advocated for a "managed access" system that employs technology to detect signals from unauthorized phones in prisons, asserting that it is feasible to disable those specific calls. Additionally, he mentioned the group's endorsement of further experimentation with cellphone jamming technology.

Legislation permitting states to utilize jamming devices remains under consideration in both the House and Senate. Earlier this year, Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma articulated his straightforward proposal before the U.S. Senate: "To safeguard our guards, protect our families, and deter criminal activities within prisons, we can obstruct cell phone signals in federal correctional facilities." Federal authorities have conducted tests on micro GPS jammer in federal prisons, indicating that if these devices function effectively at a distance of approximately 20 feet, they can effectively disable phone signals within prison cells.