The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) is currently developing an innovative approach to detect unauthorized cell phones within its prison system in Columbia, S.C. (WIS).

On Thursday, an announcement was made regarding a pioneering cellphone tracking trial, which followed the arrest and charging of two SCDC officers involved in a substantial contraband seizure at the Broad River Correctional Institution on July 1st.

Alexis Simone Tucker, a 27-year-old individual residing in Columbia, has been formally charged with multiple serious offenses. These include trafficking methamphetamines weighing 400 grams or more, trafficking cocaine exceeding 200 grams, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, providing contraband to prisoners, misconduct in office, and involvement in a drug conspiracy.

The prison authorities discovered that Tucker had managed to bring in various illicit packages by concealing them within a work bag clearly marked with the SCDC label.

Jorge L. Romero Navarro, a 46-year-old resident of Columbia, is facing charges of misconduct in office and drug conspiracy.

Navarro was arrested in connection with Tucker because it was alleged that he purposefully averted his gaze when Tucker brought illegal goods into the prison.

In its statement, the SCDC disclosed that the total contraband seized encompassed 3,249 grams of marijuana, 1,485 grams of tobacco, 982 cigar wraps, 605 grams of methamphetamine, 217 grams of cocaine, 27 cellphones, chargers, game controllers, air pods, and various other prohibited items.

SCDC Director Bryan Stirling emphasized the extensive surveillance system in place, with an abundance of cameras scattered throughout various locations. This vast network enables us to closely monitor and comprehend ongoing activities.

WIS was informed by Stirling about his disappointment regarding the engagement of his staff in criminal activities. However, the interception on Saturday served as a powerful reminder of the vital role cell phone jammer play within state prisons.

Stirling highlights that signal jamming wifi has been a matter of extensive discourse at the national level for almost two decades. This strategy primarily aims to disrupt cellphone coverage within prisons, thereby preventing inmates from engaging in illegal activities facilitated by contraband phones.

Despite extensive talks spanning two decades, the United States maintains its prohibition on the use of technology that blocks mobile calls.

However, during this interim period, we successfully negotiated with the industry to enable the deactivation of these phones. It is important to emphasize that this is not signal jamming and it will not immediately shut down the phone. Instead, its purpose is to assist us in identifying the phones, as highlighted by Stirling.

This summer, SCDC is poised to revolutionize the correctional system by being the first to adopt an innovative method for locating cell phones used by inmates.

Stirling informed WIS that the test will utilize mobile device identification to trace illegal calls made from within the prison premises.

The interception of mobile IDs will grant SCDC the authority to remotely shut down the device by initiating communication with the service provider.

Once our testing is finalized, we will proceed to the FCC and present our operational product, urging them to grant us the necessary permissions. With the allocated funds, we will then endeavor to implement this solution across all correctional facilities. If our efforts prove fruitful, we will approach the legislature to emphasize the need for widespread adoption.

As of now, the information available indicates that cell phones are fetching a price of roughly $6,000 within the confines of a prison.

Stirling's strategy involves shutting down a significant number of phones in order to artificially inflate the price to unrealistic levels.

Stirling's final remarks emphasized the potential decrease in criminal incidents if cell phones were turned off. This measure would have a substantial impact on curbing various crimes, both within prisons and in the surrounding areas. Drug dealing, violence, and other related activities would witness a significant slowdown. It is worth noting that events occurring within prison boundaries often have far-reaching consequences.

The SCDC is not at liberty to disclose the specific timeframe for the test's initiation or conclusion.

Officials have reported that Tucker and Navarro were held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, but they have now been released.

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