Assessing the Size of Contraband Cell Phone Use in Prison: Evidence and Implications from a Managed Access System

• In Event: Prison Misconduct

Abstract

Managed access system technology has been offered as one response to combat growing contraband cell phone issues in federal and state prisons. Investments in and pilot deployments of these systems continue despite a lack of clear empirical evidence that such technology will mitigate contraband cell phone usage. Through the use of a case study framework in a large, rural prison, this research seeks to describe and understand the complex mechanisms associated with managed access system deployment. An emphasis is placed on generating baseline measures of cell phone use to inform future process and outcome evaluations. Implications for the continued expansion of managed access system technology to reduce contraband cell phone use will be discussed.

Authors

• Eric Grommon, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis

• Jeremy Carter, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis

• Charles Scheer, University of Southern Mississippi

• Eric Piza, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Anthony Salvemini, Performance Criteria, Inc.