Post by CC on Apr 22, 2009 16:03:05 GMT -5
In the editorial "Criminal calling" (April 16), The Baltimore Sun gives short shrift to the very real interference caused by cell phone jamming to wireless devices used by public safety officials and consumers.
Contrary to the editorial's claim that jamming will "protect public safety," some of the nation's leading public safety organizations, including the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International and the National Emergency Number Association, have said jamming is not the answer to prison security because of the service disruptions it causes to fire and police responders and consumers.
Even setting aside the fact that cell phone jamming is illegal, the editorial also ignored a key the issue about wireless phones in prisons: How are these phones getting into the prisons?
Maryland may penalize individuals who smuggle or possess a cell phone in prison, but unless this law is strictly enforced, there will be little fear of its consequences.
Unfortunately, a few people working in Maryland's prisons believe that trading cash for contraband is worth the risk for a misdemeanor offense that carries less than three years in prison under Maryland law.
The wireless industry views phones inside prisons as criminal tools and has no interest in seeing inmates use them.
But the solution requires addressing the supply and demand for contraband cell phones in prisons, not jamming wireless signals.
Brian Josef
Washington
Contrary to the editorial's claim that jamming will "protect public safety," some of the nation's leading public safety organizations, including the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International and the National Emergency Number Association, have said jamming is not the answer to prison security because of the service disruptions it causes to fire and police responders and consumers.
Even setting aside the fact that cell phone jamming is illegal, the editorial also ignored a key the issue about wireless phones in prisons: How are these phones getting into the prisons?
Maryland may penalize individuals who smuggle or possess a cell phone in prison, but unless this law is strictly enforced, there will be little fear of its consequences.
Unfortunately, a few people working in Maryland's prisons believe that trading cash for contraband is worth the risk for a misdemeanor offense that carries less than three years in prison under Maryland law.
The wireless industry views phones inside prisons as criminal tools and has no interest in seeing inmates use them.
But the solution requires addressing the supply and demand for contraband cell phones in prisons, not jamming wireless signals.
Brian Josef
Washington