Federal prison officials have confiscated 137 cellphones from inmates in the first 10 months of the fiscal year, according to government statistics. That was up from 51 in 2008-09 and 94 in 2009-10. Mobiles are banned in Canadian jails but some prisoners find a way to get them in nonetheless. In fact, prisoners manage to get access to illegal drugs and other contraband as well.
Cellphones may be used to conduct criminal activities from within prison walls. They may include drug trafficking, organized crime activities, planning prison escapes and intimidating witnesses.
Some countries like France and Ireland allow jamming devises to block cellphone calls, but Canada does not for fear of blocking emergency calls. Government officials are working with phone-service providers to try to find alternative ways to stop mobile use in prisons.
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.