Minnesota Reduces Phone Rates to Combat Contraband Cellphones

• NCJ Number: 245659
• Journal: Techbeat Dated: March/April 2014 Pages: 14-15
• Author(s): Becky Lewis
• Date Published: March 2014
• Length: 2 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2010-MU-MU-K020
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Best Practice/State-of-the-Art Review
• Award: Operate the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) - National Center

Annotation

This article from TechBeat magazine discusses efforts by the Minnesota Department of Corrections to reduce the presence of contraband cellphones in the State's correctional facilities.

Abstract

This article discusses efforts by the Minnesota Department of Corrections to reduce the presence of contraband cellphones in the State's correctional facilities. The State charges a low rate to offenders for access and use of the telephone. According to the Department of Corrections, this approach not only reduces the need for contraband cellphones inside correctional facilities, but it also ensures that offenders maintain a connection with their families and to the outside world, improving their chances of successfully reentering the community. The money paid by inmates for phone use also provides income back to the facilities and is used to fund programs that benefit offenders, such as law libraries. The article also notes that the success of this approach is due in part to the professional conduct of the staff in working towards providing a safe atmosphere for the inmates.