His Majesty’s Prison is reinforcing its strategies to limit the illegal use of mobile phones by inmates, with the anticipated introduction of mobile phone jammers in the coming weeks.
Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Pennyfeather, the governor of the prison, has confirmed that the implementation of jammers will take place soon as part of efforts to enhance the facility's security measures.
Pennyfeather conveyed, "A new plan is now in effect, and we are progressing well. I believe that in another two weeks, given that the necessary materials are already secured, the signal jammers will be operational, certainly within a three-week period."
Prior efforts to use jammers were thwarted, as inmates discovered ways to interfere with the system. However, with the updated plans, officials are now confident that this approach will effectively eliminate unauthorized mobile phone communications.
This decision is a facet of a more extensive strategy aimed at fortifying prison security and obstructing inmates from utilizing banned devices to maintain criminal operations while behind bars.
I was curious about the range of the jammers and how it would affect members of the public on nearby roads. Jammers have a range and there is not a lot of space between buildings at St John’s. It is important to remember that mobile phones are emergency devices and are at the heart of communications. I think a better approach would be to provide pay phones that prisoners can use and tighten security to remove cell phones. Prisoners should have a way to contact their families. Another issue to consider is moving the jail out of town is long overdue. Let's focus on better solutions and appropriate punishments for violations.