Men and women who have been to prison often experience withdrawals from not having access to cell phones while incarcerated in federal prisons. They miss the connection with their loved ones and feel disconnected from society. Despite cell phone use being illegal for prisoners, many still manage to get their hands on them. In the past, possession of a cell phone would result in severe penalties, but the overwhelming flow of cell phones into prisons has made it difficult for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to enforce strict punishments. There have been instances of cell phones being used for criminal activities such as coordinating attacks on prison staff.
The availability of cell phones in prisons poses a unique security risk, as they can be used for illicit activities like drug drops and arranging hits on rivals. Drones, visitors, and corrupt prison guards are all sources of cell phone smuggling into prisons, with prices for a cell phone reaching up to $3,000. The booming cell phone economy in prisons creates a cycle where confiscated phones are priced at a premium, and the burden of replacing them falls on the prisoner or their family members. Despite the risks, prisoners see cell phones as a lifeline to the outside world, especially during lockdowns when access to sanctioned communication methods like monitored calls and emails is restricted.
Attorneys face ethical dilemmas when deciding whether to accept phone calls from clients using cell phones in prison. While many consider such communication unethical, the necessity of timely information for legal filings may prompt some to engage in such communication. Many prisoners view the risk of using a cell phone as worth it for the sake of their sanity and staying connected with their families. The widespread availability of cell phones in prisons is evident from the high number of confiscated phones in institutions like USP Atlanta, where almost half of the inmates were found to have cell phones in their possession.
The financial implications of cell phone use in prisons are significant, as each violation adds days to a prisoner’s sentence, resulting in increased costs of incarceration for the BOP. Staff shortages in prisons exacerbate the problem, leading to lockdowns, limited programming, and heightened stress for inmates. The BOP should address the underlying reasons for cell phone use in prisons to effectively eliminate their use and reduce associated costs. Despite the risks and penalties, many prisoners view cell phones as vital for maintaining connections with their families and obtaining crucial information while incarcerated. Moving forward, a comprehensive approach addressing the root causes of cell phone use in prisons is essential for promoting security and rehabilitation within the prison system.
