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How It Works: Maryland's New System To Fight Contraband Phones in Prisons

courtesy of Tecore

In early February, Governor Martin O’Malley unveiled a new strategy to combat contraband cell phones in prisons. 

It is a “managed access” system, operating at the Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC) and the Metropolitan Transition Center (MTC) since December 2013. The technology prevents all unapproved attempts at cell phone use, including making calls, sending texts, or using data.

Tecore, a Maryland-based company, calls its product the iNAC™, Intelligent Network Access Controller. In April 2012, Tecore secured a three-year, $2 million contract with the state. A federal grant funds half of the contract.  

Managed Access vs. Jamming

Managed access systems require the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) approval and the consent of commercial carriers. The system sets up a perimeter with its own cell tower. All calls made from within the perimeter go to that tower, and only calls from authorized users (or emergency calls to 911) are transferred to a commercial carrier. The system also identifies SIM cards, so even if a SIM card is switched from an authorized phone to an unauthorized one, calls will still be prevented.

Here’s what you hear if you are not on the authorized user list:

Maryland is one of a handful of states for which the FCC approved spectrum leases to test or install managed access systems.

Some have suggested jamming cell phone signals at the jails, but that’s illegal under the Communications Act of 1934. Jamming disrupts service by emitting signals on the same frequencies as phones, which blocks all calls--even emergency calls.

According to the FCC, managed access, or call capture, systems are a legal and more effective solution than jamming. Detection systems can be used in conjunction with managed access systems in order to triangulate a cell phone’s approximate location. Detection does not require FCC approval.

Dangerous Problem

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS)*produced a timeline (published here by WBAL) showing the actions Maryland has taken since 2007 to prevent smuggling, stop cell phone use, and prosecute offenders.

In 2007 a state witness was murderedwhen an inmate awaiting trial at BCDC arranged a hit using a contraband phone. Last year, federal prosecutors indicted inmates and corrections officers involved in a smuggling ring at the BCDC. Officers smuggled cells phones, drugs, and other contraband to prisoners in exchange for money and gifts.

Contraband cell phones are a nationwide problem. The Baltimore Sun reported on riots at four different Oklahoma prisons that were coordinated to occur simultaneously by prisoners with access to cell phones.

Anti-Contraband Efforts

The state has tried several other strategies to fight contraband cell phones. Maryland’s Comprehensive State Crime Control and Prevention Plan 2012 Annual Update details efforts used in concert with managed access:

·         DPSCS purchased two mobile forensic devices by CelleBrite. When law enforcement seizes a phone, these devices can recover deleted texts, contacts, and images.

·         Scanners, searches, and surveillance prevent smuggling of contraband devices. DPSCS purchased 25 Body Orifice Security Scanner chairs to perform full-body scans.

·         DPSCS trained a K-9 cell phone search unit.

Gregg Hershberger, Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, told reporters at the announcement earlier this month that prison officials have allotted $14 million to install managed access systems in three more Baltimore facilities.

According to the Governor’s office, 874 cell phones were confiscated in FY 2013, the lowest number since 2007. Furthermore, lawmakers have introduced bills in the General Assembly to stiffen the penalties for smuggling cell phones and accessories from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Challenges of Managed Access

As a developing technology, managed access systems face several potential problems. Confining the managed access system to detention center property may prove difficult. Len Lazarick at MarylandReporter.com found that, even half a block outside, his calls were redirected to the recorded message.

Managed access systems must cover the gamut of cell phone technology, both the radio technology (GSM and CDMA) and the network generations (2G, 3G, 4G). At the press conference with Governor O’Malley, Jay Salkini, Tecore’s CEO, stated that their system covers 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE, all of which broadcast on different frequencies. The system operates with the consent of the six commercial carriers that provide service in the area.

The technology must be protected from tampering. Tecore uses armored cables and secured conduits and installs equipment in inaccessible areas.

Future of Managed Access

In 2009 Tecore tested their system over three days at Brockbridge Correctional Facility in Jessup. These are the results:

·         580 individual devices detected (this may include devices on access roads)

·         135 devices attempted voice calls

·         62 devices attempted to send text messages

·         50 devices accounted for over 50% of the traffic on the system

No data is available yet from the December installation.

As the fight against contraband phones continues, cell companies may be forced to take responsibility for denying service to prisoners. In September 2011, a company that produces managed access systems petitioned the FCC to require wireless carriers to terminate service to unauthorized phones seized in correctional facilities. A South Carolina corrections officer who was shot six times after an inmate ordered a hit from behind bars sued commercial carriers and cell tower owners for not denying service to inmates. The suit was dismissed.

*This sentence has been changed to correctly attribute the timeline to DPSCS.