Florida fights to keep cell phones out of prison cells

Florida fights to keep cell phones out of prison cells

Those who attempt to smuggle cell phones into Florida prisons could end up spending up to five years in one under a new law enacted October 1, 2008 making the introduction of cell phones into prison a third degree felony.

Inmates hide cell phones in shower shoes (above), bars of soap, behind cell plumbing, etc.

"Cell phones in prison pose a significant threat to prison security, because they are used by inmates to coordinate escape attempts, intimidate witnesses, introduce contraband like drugs and weapons into the prison and engage in numerous other illegal activities," said Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Walter McNeil. "This legislation is a good first step in reducing those problems within our institutions."

In FY 2007-08, 336 cell phones were confiscated from Florida’s prison population. As cell phone technology improves and they become smaller and easier to hide, the problem has become a prison security concern nationwide.

Razor, Florida DC's first cell phone detecting dog.