Will FCC Allow States to Jam Cell Phone Signals in Prisons?

South Carolina Corrections Director Jon Ozmint filed a petition with the FCC on June 13, 2009, with signatures from correction directors in 25 other states. This petition is asking the FCC to allow individual states to jam or disable cell phone signals within prisons. While inmates are not allowed to have cell phones, one smuggled cell phone can allow prisoners to make unmonitored calls arranging for more crimes to be committed, including the potential of harrassing or intimidating witnesses.

Currently, only federal agencies are allowed to authorize the jamming of cell phone signals.