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).

After the arrest and charging of two SCDC officers in connection with a significant contraband seizure at the Broad River Correctional Institution on July 1st, a novel cellphone tracking test was announced on Thursday.

The authorities have brought forth a series of charges against Alexis Simone Tucker, a 27-year-old resident of Columbia. These charges include trafficking methamphetamines weighing 400 grams or more, trafficking cocaine in quantities surpassing 200 grams, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, providing contraband to prisoners, misconduct in office, and participation in a drug conspiracy.

Tucker was found to have smuggled numerous     contraband packages into the prison by disguising them within a work bag labeled with the SCDC logo, as revealed by the investigators.

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

Navarro was apprehended in relation to Tucker as authorities accused him of willfully disregarding Tucker's transportation of contraband into the correctional facility.

According to the SCDC's announcement, the overall contraband haul included 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 assorted illegal 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.

Expressing his disappointment, Stirling informed WIS about his staff's involvement in criminal activities. Nonetheless, the interception on Saturday once again underscored the importance of cell phone jammer in state prisons.

According to Stirling, the concept of signal jamming wifi has been under discussion at the national level for nearly twenty years. Its core objective is to deny cellular network access in prisons, effectively curbing inmates' ability to engage in illicit activities through the use of smuggled mobile phones.

Despite continuous discussions over the course of twenty years, the United States still upholds the illegality of employing technology to block mobile calls.

Nevertheless, in the meantime, we managed to negotiate with the industry to allow for the disabling of these phones. It is crucial to note that this is not signal jamming and it will not abruptly shut down the phone. However, its main objective is to help us identify the phones, as stated by Stirling.

SCDC is leading the way this summer as the first correctional system to embark on a trial of a new technique for locating cell phones that are being used by prisoners.

As per Stirling's statement to WIS, the test will rely on mobile device identification to detect illegal calls made by inmates from within the prison confines.

Once the mobile IDs are intercepted, SCDC will be able to remotely deactivate the device by establishing contact with the service provider.

Following the completion of our testing phase, our next course of action involves approaching the FCC to demonstrate the functionality of our product and request their approval. Subsequently, we will utilize the available funds to implement this solution in all of our prisons. In the event of a successful outcome, we will engage with the legislature to advocate for its implementation on a broader scale.

At the present moment, reports suggest that cell phones are being traded for approximately $6,000 in the prison environment.

By shutting off as many phones as possible, Stirling anticipates driving the price to levels that are beyond reach.

Stirling concluded that by implementing the practice of switching off cell phones, there would be a noticeable reduction in criminal activities. This decline would be observed not only within prisons but also in the broader society. Drug dealing, violence, and other illicit behaviors would experience a significant slowdown. It is important to recognize that events occurring within prison walls often have spill-over effects on the external environment.

The test's expected start or finish time cannot be disclosed by the SCDC.

After being booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, Tucker and Navarro have been released, according to officials.

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