Virginia joins 22 other states to urge FCC to allow cellphone jamming in prisons

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia has joined 22 other states in urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to let prisons use cellphone jamming technology to block illegal communications from contraband phones.

In an announcement on Wednesday, Sept. 24, the Office of Attorney General Jason Miyares announced that Virginia has joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general urging the FCC to allow prisons to use cellphone jamming in prisons to stop inmates from communicating on contraband phones.

Currently, FCC rules interpret federal law to prohibit the use of jamming equipment, including in correctional facilities.

The FCC recently proposed a rule that would allow correctional facilities to use narrowly targeted jamming systems that block unauthorized calls within prisons grounds, without interfering with service outside.

Miyares' office claimed that inmates "routinely" use smuggled phones to "coordinate criminal enterprises, intimidate witnesses, and orchestrate violence both inside and outside prison walls," with this measure aiming to bolster the safety of correctional staff, other inmates and the public.