Authorize the Implementation of Cell Phone Jammers in Penitentiaries

The Attorney General is advocating for the Federal Communications Commission to allow the implementation of cell phone jammers in correctional institutions.

In a recent appeal, Georgia's Attorney General has requested that the federal agency abolish its ban on cell phone jammers, which currently hinders state officials from using such devices to eliminate contraband phones in prisons.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established a prohibition on the use of cell phone "signal jammers" in correctional institutions, including both prisons and jails. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's office has stated that this ban is also relevant to state and local government entities. On Tuesday, Carr formally appealed to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel for a reconsideration of this prohibition.

According to the details provided in the letter, the infiltration of unauthorized mobile phones into prisons poses a serious threat to both inmates and correctional staff. In Georgia, officials have reported the seizure of 8,074 contraband phones in 2023, with 5,482 already taken in 2024.

In March, officials from Georgia unveiled the results of Operation Skyhawk, which was a thorough investigation conducted over several months concerning contraband in the Georgia Department of Corrections facilities.

In a recent operation, authorities confiscated 273 contraband cell phones from the facilities and arrested 150 suspects, including eight GDC employees who were subsequently terminated. Drones were employed to assist in the delivery of contraband into the facilities.

Upon being asked about his viewpoint on the request, a representative for U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, a Democrat from Georgia, pointed out that he has partnered with Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley to co-sponsor legislation aimed at addressing the issue of contraband in federal prisons.

In 2022, Ossoff led a comprehensive bipartisan investigation over a period of ten months into the U.S. Penitentiary Atlanta, presently known as FCI Atlanta. The investigation's findings indicated a pressing need to abolish illegal cell phones in prisons.

Drones Break into Kursk Port

Ukraine skillfully uses drones and jammers to break into Kursk port

Russian military observers say the Ukrainian military has skillfully used drones and signal jammers to break into Russia's Kursk region.

During the invasion, it has been reported that Kiev employed signal jamming technology to diminish Moscow's surveillance effectiveness and to restrict its border defense mechanisms.

This enabled Ukrainian drones to execute unexpected assaults on the ground as forces advanced into enemy territory.

Military analyst Samuel Bendett from Russia indicated that Ukraine's adoption of this strategy was to be expected, considering the substantial resources it has allocated to electronic warfare.

He informed CBC News, "It appears to be achievable. We are aware that Ukraine is leading Russia in the advancement of these tactics and techniques."

Well-planned

Data published by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicates that Ukraine has conducted attacks on a minimum of 800 square kilometers (308 square miles) of Russian territory.

It has been reported that Iranian forces have gained control over more than 28 towns in Russia following the incursion that occurred last week.

Ukraine has not disclosed the specific details of the successful offensive, although certain information has been made available to the media.drone jammer

Oleksiy Goncharenko stated that the military operation was executed with careful planning.

I recognize the necessity of launching an offensive in unexpected areas. This is precisely the strategy employed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as he elaborated. "The implementation of innovative tactics and technologies undoubtedly provides a significant advantage."

Did the drone army succeed?

In 2022, Ukraine revealed its intentions to utilize donations for the establishment of a "drone army" aimed at combating Russian aggression.

A new military branch focused specifically on drone warfare was also established.

The substantial investment in drone technology appears to have yielded significant results, enabling Kiev to deploy its kamikaze drones deep within Russian territory.

Ivan Havrilyuk, the Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine, stated, "We possess all the necessary resources to achieve victory in the conflict with the Russian Federation. We are equipped to substitute personnel across all domains, including the trenches, maritime environments, aerial operations, and underwater missions."

Carr Calls for Federal Action Combat Contraband Cell Phones Prisons Jails

Carr Seeks Federal Solutions Address Proliferation Contraband Cell Phones Within Correctional Facilities

ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr is urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take immediate action to allow for the use of cell phone jamming devices within state prisons and local jails. The FCC currently prohibits the use of cell phone “signal jammer,” and that prohibition extends to state and local governments. Yet in prisons and jails throughout the country, contraband cell phones are being used to plan and orchestrate violent attacks and other criminal activity, posing a real and substantial safety risk to correctional officers, visitors, inmates, and the public at large.

“The easiest way to protect the public from the harms caused by contraband cell phones is to allow for the use of cell phone jamming technology in prisons and jails, but the FCC continues to block our efforts,” said Carr. “This outdated guidance limits legitimate law enforcement tools, presents dangerous conditions for correctional officers, and allows for the escalation of criminal networks both inside and outside prison walls. We’re committed to combatting violent crime wherever it occurs, which is why we continue to call on the federal government to remove this substantial barrier to public safety.”

In Georgia alone, 8,074 contraband cell phones were confiscated in 2023, with 5,482 confiscated to date in 2024. Recently, an incarcerated leader of the infamous street gang, “Yves Saint Laurent Squad,” used a contraband cell phone to order a hit which resulted in the death of an 88-year-old Georgia veteran. A gang leader in North Carolina was able to order the kidnapping of a prosecutor’s father via a cell phone in prison. In California, prison gangs used contraband cell phones to order murders within the prison system and traffic drugs.

“There are hundreds of examples from across the country of how a contraband cell phone in the hands of an inmate can be used as a deadly weapon and gives them the ability to continue their criminal enterprise. We are incensed by the length these individuals go to in continuing those activities and endangering the public,” said Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. “As attempts to infiltrate our facilities with contraband cell phones evolve, access to jamming technology is paramount in our efforts to combat those attempts. We appreciate the support of Attorney General Carr in our ongoing commitment to public safety and the safe operations of our facilities.”

In his letter, Carr notes that the FCC policy relies on a statute enacted in the early 1990s, years before prison inmates began using contraband cell phones to plan and engage in unlawful and dangerous activity.

Carr further states: “Nothing in the language of 47 U.S.C § 333 prohibits the FCC from revising its position to allow state agencies to use cell phone jamming devices in prisons. In fact, the United States Bureau of Prisons has recognized the potential value of cell phone jammer already and is permitted to use jamming devices at several federal penitentiaries, including at least one in Georgia.”

In January 2023, Carr joined a 22-state coalition of attorneys general in urging Congressional leaders to pass legislation that would allow states to implement a cell phone jamming system in correctional facilities.

Carr’s Gang Prosecution Unit has also partnered with the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) to investigate and prosecute currently incarcerated individuals who are alleged to have engaged in criminal gang activity and discussions regarding the packaging and shipping of contraband items into a GDC facility.

Complete Guide to Signal Jammer Locations in Grand Theft Auto 5

In GTA 5 Online, there are 50 signal jammers scattered across the map, and destroying them is crucial for unlocking the best hacker, Avi Schwartzman, for the Diamond Casino Heist. Some of these jammers are easily accessible from the ground, while others require flying to hard-to-reach areas like tall buildings, bridges, or towers.

Here are a few notable locations:

1. Los Santos International Airport: Located on top of the air traffic control tower.
2. Vinewood Hills: Above the stage of the Vinewood Bowl.
3. Land Act Dam: On the southwest side of the dam.
4. Bolingbroke Penitentiary: Next to an antenna inside the prison (this one will trigger a wanted level).
5. Maze Bank Arena: Easily accessible in front of the arena.

These locations require a mix of ground travel, climbing, and some are easier to hit with helicopters or aircraft weapons.

In real life, signal jammers are devices used to block or interfere with wireless communication signals, including cell phone signals, GPS, Wi-Fi, and radio frequencies. They work by emitting radio frequencies that overwhelm or drown out communication signals within a certain range, making it impossible for devices to receive or send data.

Common Uses:

• Security and Privacy: Signal jammers are used in places such as prisons, military bases, and government buildings to prevent unauthorized communications or leaks.
• Preventing Cheating: Some educational institutions may use signal jammers during exams to prevent students from using their phones or other devices to cheat.
• Law Enforcement: Police or security forces may use gsm jammer in specific operations to block communications between criminals or prevent remote detonation of explosives. In most places, the use of signal jammers is regulated.

Pager and Walkie-Talkie Explosions Reveal Supply Chain Investigation

The tragic explosions caused by the use of pagers and walkie-talkies by Hezbollah in Lebanon have led to a significant investigation into the origins of these related technologies. This investigation reveals that the market for such outdated devices is notably opaque, with many consumers often lacking essential knowledge about the products they are buying.

The bombing of pagers and walkie-talkies by Lebanese Hezbollah, which caused the deaths of 37 people and injured about 3,000, reveals the considerable difficulty in identifying the specific failure point.wifi jammer

Taiwan's Golden Apollo has claimed that a European company has licensed its pager brand, leading to investigations into the origins of related products in Hungary, Bulgaria, Norway, and Romania.

How massive attacks took place simultaneously, injuring thousands

Time and place of the incident

An explosion was reported at 3:45 p.m. local time on Tuesday in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, with repercussions extending to numerous other regions of the country.

Accounts from observers indicated that smoke was seen rising from the pockets of people, and they reported hearing sounds that resembled small explosions, similar to those produced by fireworks and gunshots.

The surveillance recording seemingly shows an explosion happening in the pocket of a man standing before a store's cash register.

Reuters has reported that the explosions were ongoing for roughly one hour after the initial explosion took place.

In the ensuing moments, a considerable number of injured individuals sought treatment at hospitals across Lebanon, and witnesses reported tumultuous scenes in various locations.

How do pagers explode?

There exists a possibility that the overheating and explosion of the pager's battery were caused by a hacker attack. If confirmed, this would be an unprecedented situation. The attack is initiated through signaling, a type of alphanumeric text messaging.

• Pagers can be modified to explode, typically by using them as radio communication devices to remotely trigger bombs.
• A pager is a device that receives radio signals and can receive wireless messages in a specific frequency band. An attacker could exploit this feature to control an explosive device.
• When the pager receives a specific signal, it can use internal circuitry to trigger a detonator connected to the explosive. This detonating device is usually a relay or switch that connects the explosive to the pager's power supply.

It is a common strategy for attackers to select frequency bands that have a wide coverage area to ensure that pagers can receive the signal. signal jammers can be utilized to block wireless signals in specific frequency bands, which prevents pagers from receiving detonation signals.

Walkie-Talkie Equipment Turned into Bomb in Lebanon

A series of explosions rocked Lebanon again on Wednesday afternoon, seemingly targeting handheld walkie-talkies. The day before, another coordinated pager attack in Lebanon injured thousands.

Lebanese officials reported that Wednesday's second wave of explosions killed at least 20 people and injured thousands more.

On Wednesday, there were reports of explosions in cell phones, laptops, walkie-talkies, radios, solar systems and fingerprint recognition devices.

Car, motorcycle explosions in Lebanon

An Associated Press photographer in the southern coastal city of Sidon saw a car and a mobile phone store damaged by explosive devices inside.

"Several walkie-talkies exploded in the southern suburbs of Beirut," a source told Reuters. Hezbollah-affiliated rescuers confirmed that the devices exploded in two cars in the area.

Images circulated online showed that the devices that exploded were different from the pagers that exploded on Tuesday and were larger.

The transformation of technical devices such as pagers, walkie-talkies, radios and solar devices into bombs is usually associated with illegal armed groups or terrorists using these devices to carry out attacks. These devices are originally common communication or energy tools in daily life, but because their internal structures can be transformed into detonation devices, they have become weaponized targets in certain regions.

In regions such as Lebanon, which have long faced political instability and armed conflict, many armed groups may use these tools to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Basic structure and modification potential of the equipment:

• Pagers: Although pagers are now obsolete in many places, their basic structure is relatively simple and can be used as a trigger device for remote detonation by adding external circuits.
• Walkie-talkies: Walkie-talkies have radio frequency functions and can be remotely controlled through wireless signals. Militants can use the radio function of walkie-talkies to trigger explosive devices, especially in closed or inaccessible situations.
• Radios: The circuit and power supply parts of radios can be transformed into remote detonation devices, receiving signals of specific frequencies to trigger explosions. Especially in complex urban environments, such devices can be used to launch precise attacks.
• Solar equipment: Solar equipment usually has its own power supply and is easy to hide. Their batteries or other energy storage parts can be used to power explosive devices or as a source of energy to trigger explosions.

Using signal jammers is one of the effective ways to prevent walkie-talkies, radios and other devices from being used to detonate bombs, especially in areas where there are security threats like Lebanon. Signal jammers can prevent criminals from remotely detonating bombs through these devices by blocking or interfering with radio communications.

The principle of signal jammer:

1. Working mechanism: Signal jammers interfere with or block communication signals in specific frequency bands by emitting powerful radio waves, causing the walkie-talkie or radio to be unable to receive normal control signals, thereby preventing the device from being used for remote detonation.
2. Common interference frequency bands: Walkie-talkies and radios usually use specific radio frequency bands (such as VHF, UHF, etc.), and signal jammer can interfere with these frequency bands, especially in high-risk areas such as public gatherings, government buildings or military facilities.
3. Controllable range: The interference range of the signal jammer can be adjusted as needed. Some devices can cover a range of hundreds of meters or even kilometers, which is suitable for the protection of specific areas.

Using both fixed and mobile signal wifi jammer in sensitive locations and mobile fleets can cover more potential threat areas and improve protection efficiency. Before deploying signal jammers, intelligence monitoring and frequency detection can be used to identify the communication frequency bands commonly used by criminals to ensure that the jammer can accurately block the relevant signals. Security personnel need to undergo special training to learn how to use and deploy signal jammers and how to respond quickly in emergency situations. At the same time, technical support and maintenance of the equipment are also very important to ensure that it plays a role at critical moments.

Signal jammers can effectively prevent criminals from using wireless devices such as walkie-talkies and radios to remotely detonate bombs, especially in areas with security threats like Lebanon. However, cell phone jammer should be used as part of a comprehensive security strategy, combined with other preventive measures such as intelligence monitoring, searches and physical security protection to minimize threats.

Promotion of Regulatory Measures for Jammers

INDIANAPOLIS — Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson testified at the state Capitol Tuesday about a local crime that may need new legislation.

In June, two people allegedly used a signal jammer to burglarize a home in northern Vanderburgh County.

"This device is designed to interfere with Wi-Fi and cellular signals, and it is illegal under federal law to use it," Robinson told reporters at the time. "Once activated, cameras and other security equipment that rely on Wi-Fi or cellular signals cease to function."

Evansville Republican State Rep. Wendy McNamara said the crime made her realize they needed to address the problem.

She chaired Tuesday's Interim Study Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law and invited Robinson to speak at the meeting. McNamara said Indiana does not have a law regarding intentional interference with communications, even though it is a federal crime to use the technology.

During his testimony, Robinson said he had never really thought about the impact signal jammers could have on law enforcement until someone found the device in a car in Vanderburgh County.

These devices give thieves a real advantage when they commit burglary

Gear like Ring doorbells, alarm sensors and cellular backups that alert police to intrusions can all be rendered ineffective by jammers, he said.

After discovering the jammers in June, Robinson said, he went back to his office and sat down to think about the possibilities. He then sent a draft law to McNamara for her consideration.

“We’re frustrated because we can charge these people with burglary,” he said, “but there’s really no statute in place, including the state’s anti-terrorism statute, that addresses these signal jammers in any way.”

Robinson asked the committee to consider legislation in Indiana that would make it a crime to import jamming devices. He recommended stiff penalties for such devices that would be based on how they’re used.

“These are illegal devices, but they’re coming to us all the time,” he said. “I can go online and buy one right now. They’re not hard to buy.”

McNamara said in a news release that she’s concerned about the threat jammers pose to public safety. "These jamming devices can mean victims can't call 911 for help or access their security cameras. We want to close any loopholes in state law to ensure criminals are held accountable," she said. "That's why I will continue to work with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement to find a legislative solution to bring forward in the upcoming legislative session."

As a parent, are you struggling to manage your child's screen time?

A resident could face six months in jail for unknowingly using a signal wifi jammer to disrupt phone and mobile internet service in his neighborhood.

But surprisingly, his actions were not motivated by malice. He simply wanted to stop his teenage children from using their mobile devices to surf the internet after bedtime. Since the lockdown due to Covid-19 was implemented. After consulting internet forums, the father decided that a jammer was the best solution to stop his children's excessive screen use. His children were indeed addicted to social networks and other apps, and the aim was to prevent his children from surfing the internet on their smartphones before bedtime.