Since 2018, the Ministry of Justice has allocated over 125 million euros to combat the influx of cell phones in prisons. Their primary tool? The advanced cell phone jammer. Nicole Belloubet, the Minister of Justice, stated in 2018: “We stand firm against mobile phones in detention facilities. That’s why we’ve contracted for jammer technology, proven to be highly effective.” Results? It’s been the ultimate solution. Discover how our jammers can strengthen prison security today.
Prison Cell Phone Jammer Solution
The presence of these jammers was intended to create a communication blackout within the prison walls, yet the evidence suggests that this is not the case. Inmates are still able to access their phones, defying the very purpose of these jamming devices. This not only poses a threat to the security and order of the prison but also undermines the efforts of the authorities to maintain a strict disciplinary environment.
Residents living near the prison have also noticed the continued flow of phone traffic at the gates. One local, whose apartment windows overlook the prison, noted, “We see a lot of mobile phone exchanges. We think there are a lot of mobile phones in jail.” This observation further corroborates the fact that despite the installation of signal jammers, inmates still possess access to their phones.
The failure of signal jammers in prisons is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed. As the demand for efficient and reliable jamming technology continues to grow, it is imperative that prison authorities explore alternative solutions to curb the use of illegal cell phones. One possible approach is to invest in more advanced jamming technology that is capable of blocking a wider range of frequencies and signals. Additionally, a combination of technological solutions and strict disciplinary measures could help to create a safer and more secure environment within prisons.
However, this ongoing challenge begs the question: why are signal jammers seemingly ineffective at the Health prison? To gain a deeper understanding, we accompanied Paris-based environmentalist senator Esther Benbassa on an impromptu visit to the facility. Here, we observed firsthand the system of new-generation jammers that makes the Health prison the first institution in France to be equipped with such advanced technology in the fight against mobile phones.
Bruno Clement-Petermann, the director of the establishment, acknowledges the limitations of the current jamming technology. He states that the jammers work in certain parts of the prison but admits that it is easier to achieve jamming on upper floors. This poses a significant challenge, as it allows inmates to continue using their mobile phones undetected in certain areas. Despite these issues, Clement-Petermann maintains that the jammers have never failed to prevent an escape, though he acknowledges that “there are no technologies that work perfectly.”
The technology behind these jammers is relatively simple, yet their effectiveness is heavily dependent on the network they are designed to disrupt. Currently, the jammers provided by a provider company neutralize 2G and 3G networks, but they only partially jam 4G networks. And as 5G networks become more prevalent, these jammers are becoming increasingly obsolete. The Ministry of Justice in France has recognized this fact, raising questions about the long-term viability of using jammers as a security measure in prisons.
For Erwan Saoudi, the regional delegate of the prison union FO Justice, the issue of mobile phones in detention facilities is urgent and must be addressed immediately. He argues that mobile phones are a scourge in prisons, allowing inmates to continue their criminal activities outside and enabling some detainees to harass their victims. This poses a threat to both internal and external security.
The prison of Health is not an isolated case in France. Mobile phones are a significant problem in many detention facilities across the country. This year, 1,200 mobile phones were seized from inmates at the Health prison, averaging more than one device per inmate. This staggering number highlights the need for more effective measures to combat the use of mobile phones in prisons.