Wicker’s legislation aims to keep cell phones out of the hands of prisoners

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) wants to keep incarcerated individuals from using illegally obtained cell phones that are used to further their criminal activities while in prison. 

“It has become clear that organized crime does not stop at the prison gates. Contraband phones are often used by gang members to target law enforcement and corrections officers,” Sen. Wicker said “This bill would help protect our public servants and make communities safer.”

The Eliminate Non-approved Devices and Contraband Electronics Limiting Links to Society (END CELLS) Act, S. 3780, would make it unlawful for anyone to provide or attempt to provide a federal, state, or local prisoner with a wireless communications device and make it unlawful for a prisoner to possess such a device while incarcerated, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

Sen. Wicker is an original cosponsor of S. 3780, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) to impose additional criminal and civil penalties of up to $50,000 for each violation by a prisoner using contraband cell phones and for those individuals who provide the smuggled devices. 

“The damage inmates are capable of with access to cell phones is distressing, from coordinating criminal activities, intimidating witnesses, or even planning escapes,” said Sen. Hyde-Smith. “Our bill will help crack down on crime by providing another tool to curb the number of cell phones in prison, and penalize anyone smuggling them in.”

CTIA and the Correctional Leaders Association support the bill.