The Maryland Department of Public Safety is releasing new technology that aims to help lower prison violence.
On Wednesday they unveiled the new state-of-the-art cell phone detection device. Officials say the technology will help prison officials to better confiscate cell phones and metal weapons.
The @cellsense Plus, detects objects like cell phones the size of a vehicle key, small sewing needles hidden in mattresses, & razor blades. pic.twitter.com/d7lkeTrffV
— Erick Ferris (@erick_ferris) August 30, 2017
The state paid $1.8 million to purchase the cellsense portable scanners for its 24 correctional facilities. They hope to confiscate cell phones that are used to run drug operations and intimidate witnesses outside of the facilities.
"We are putting all inmates on notice that we are stepping up our war on cell phones and weapons that make our correctional facilities less safe," Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Stephen T. Moyer said.
The new system can be moved around the prison and pick up harder to detect cell phones. Officials say the machine is two times more powerful than normal detection devices.
