RF Jamming in Prisons

RF jamming is the intentional blockage or interruption of radio frequency signals. In the past this was most often used to prevent the explosion of bombs which can be set off using a wireless radio frequency signal or to cut off communication by a criminal at a crime scene, say a holed up bank robber with hostages. Recently, RF jamming technology has been needed and instituted in prisons and jails because prisoners have been smuggling in cell phones for use while incarcerated. Cell phones in fact have become as valuable as drugs or money in prison and tens of thousands of cell phones have been confiscated in prisons across the country. Convicted criminals have used cell phones to organize their gangs, plan riots, order murders and continue running their criminal enterprises from inside prison walls. There was even a death row prisoner who used a cell phone to threaten and harass his victim.

RF jamming is accomplished by using high powered amplifiers that discharge electronic energy which prevents cell phones and other wireless devices from receiving or sending signals to cell phone or base towers. An RF jammer is usually installed within the prison at a set location and can send out a continuous noise amplifier to prevent cell phone usage or can detect when cell phone wireless signals are being used and send out the noise when detected.

The problem with using a Radio Frequency jammer in prison in the United States is that cell phone jamming is illegal and covered under the Communications Act of 1934 which says people cannot willfully or maliciously interfere with the radio communications of any licensed or authorized station. This poses a big problem for prisons and jailers; however there are a number of senate bills in states that are on the table to allow RF jamming in prisons and jails. Another problem with frequency jamming is that it can interfere with other needed devices at prisons such as computer monitors, CCTV cameras, uhf/vhf signals and walkie-talkies.

There are numerous jamming companies within the United States that market, sell and install devices to jails and prisons. Most prison jammers are stationary and self-contained, usually installed in one set place and non-mobile. These companies also sell cellular detectors which are mobile units that can sniff out cell phones within a few meters and are part of a package that is much needed in prison and jail systems.