Quantifying the Size of the Contraband Cell Phone Problem: Insights From a Large Rural State Penitentiary

Abstract

Cell phones are one of the most challenging forms of contraband for correctional facilities. The size of this problem is difficult to quantify. Confiscation data are only able to tell a partial story. Through the use of a unique data collection effort, this research details the number of contraband cell phones within a facility and offers the first attempt to estimate the gap that exists between the number of contraband cell phones available and the number that are confiscated. In light of the findings, implications for policy and an agenda for research on contraband cell phone market dynamics are provided.

Clinical, Diagnostic, and Treatment Features of Body Packing in Brazil: Drugs, Cell Phones and Beyond

“…The findings of our study highlight a persistent problem that has recently emerged in Brazil and may partly help explain the origin of so many cell phones, accessories, and other non-narcotic contents in Brazilian prisons [13,14]. However, the problem of cell phones inside prisons is not only a challenge in Brazil; it is an alarming global issue that has been reported in several countries such as the US [10,11,12], Kenya [11], and England [23]. Thus, it is possible that body packing involving non-narcotic content is a global problem that warrants more vigilant monitoring and investigation in other countries.…”

“…The deliberate commercialization of these cell phones within prisons became common practice, and the data about underscores how serious is the problem [9]. In 2008, 2,800 cell phones were seized in prisons in the state of California in the United States (US); in 2010, this number had already reached more than 10,700, and in 2011, the number rose to 15,000 [10,11]. However, it is estimated that these seizures do not even represent 10% of the total number of devices in prisons in that state [10].…”

“…In 2008, 2,800 cell phones were seized in prisons in the state of California in the United States (US); in 2010, this number had already reached more than 10,700, and in 2011, the number rose to 15,000 [10,11]. However, it is estimated that these seizures do not even represent 10% of the total number of devices in prisons in that state [10]. The problem is not only limited to California, with the US National Institute of Justice showing high number of cases of cell phone use in prisons in the states of Texas, Nevada, New York, and Tennessee [12].…”

“Prison TikTok”: Incarcerated Life Shared on Social Media

“…Understanding the benefits of technology, especially the kind that allows for communication, highlights why those incarcerated may search for ways to contact the outside world (Jewkes & Reisdorft, 2016). It is known that cell phones are being used in prison, but similar to the "dark figure of crime," it is unclear how many cell phones are currently being used, and how large of a problem it is (Grommon et al, 2018). The idea of contraband in prisons is not a new phenomenon, but cell phones present a new version of the issue.…”

“…With imprisonment creating a variety of pains, incarcerated individuals may utilize contraband-including cell phones-as a way to alleviate some of the loss of control (Grommon et al, 2018). Social media and cell phones are used by those incarcerated, and understanding what may be shared is important.…”