Research Report Cell Phone Jamming Technology for Contraband Interdiction in Correctional Settings
John Shaffer, Bryce Peterson, KiDeuk Kim, Rochisha Shukla, Joseph Russo, Megan Kizzort
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Contraband cellphones pose a significant challenge for correctional agencies. Although signal jamming has received considerable attention from criminal justice practitioners as a promising interdiction strategy, it is largely prohibited in the United States, and little is known about its application in correctional settings. Urban researchers reviewed practices and interviewed officials from the United States, New Zealand, and Australia to raise awareness on the utility of signal jamming and identify relevant considerations for its adoption. We find that signal jamming can effectively block cellphone signals in designated zones, but the adoption of this technology in correctional settings should carefully balance concerns related to potential interference with rehabilitative efforts and high maintenance costs.

Research and Evidence Justice and Safety
Expertise Courts, Corrections, and Reentry
Tags Corrections Jails Prisons
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