GovBytes: New Law Blocks Cell Phones in California Prisons

Last Friday, California passed SB 26, a law that would block cell phone transmissions in the state’s prisons. The law also imposes strict penalties on the possession and smuggling of cell phones in prisons. California’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is allowed to monitor any attempted cell phone activity on premise.

“We know that inmates with cell phones are ordering murders, organizing escapes, facilitation drug deals, controlling street gangs and terrorizing rape victims,” [Senator] Padilla said in a statement. “Beginning today, this new law provides the tools to crack down on cell phones in California’s prisons and stop these criminal acts.”

To carry out this bill, prisons will be using the Managed Access System (MAS), which will intercept all communications on mobile devices that are not authorized or emergency response equipment.

What do you think about this new law? Will it be effective?

California Approves Law Blocking Cell Phone Transmissions In Prisons

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