Federal Communications Commission	"FCC  XX-XXX"


STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER OLIVIA TRUSTY

Re: 	Promoting Technological Solutions to Combat Contraband Wireless Device Use in Correctional Facilities, Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, GN Docket No. 13-111 

In 2022, federal law enforcement officials uncovered, investigated, and dismantled a major drug trafficking organization that resulted in the seizure of 46 pounds of methamphetamine and heroin, more than 50 firearms, $35,000 in drug proceeds, and ultimately led to 21 convictions.  This criminal enterprise had engaged in drug distribution, conspiracy, money laundering, and violent acts.  The scale of this operation is staggering.  Equally alarming is that it was orchestrated by an inmate serving a 30-year prison sentence in an Oklahoma Department of Corrections facility, using a contraband cell phone to direct these activities from behind bars, with the help of other incarcerated associates.

Unfortunately, cases like this are neither rare nor isolated.  Contraband cell phones are routinely used inside jails and prisons to coordinate criminal activity, intimidate witnesses, and even plan escapes.  These devices pose a grave threat to the safety of correctional staff, incarcerated individuals, and the public at large.

The good news is that this problem has not gone unnoticed.  Law enforcement officials, lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and others broadly agree on the urgent need to prevent contraband phones from entering correctional facilities and being used for unlawful purposes.  The Commission has already taken important steps to combat this problem by facilitating and authorizing the use of contraband interdiction technologies.  Those technologies include managed access systems and other detection tools designed to identify and block unauthorized cell phone use. 

Despite this progress, contraband cell phones remain a persistent public safety threat.  Given this risk, I am pleased that today’s item seeks comment on additional tools to complement the resources already available to correctional facilities.  In particular, the proposed clarification of Section 333 and the development of a regulatory framework would allow state and local corrections facilities, working with wireless providers, to deploy targeted jamming solutions in a precise and limited manner.  I appreciate that the NPRM also seeks comment on ways to mitigate potential harmful interference to nearby consumers, public safety operations, or authorized communications. 

I want to thank the Chairman for bringing forward this important item and the dedicated FCC staff for their hard work on this complex issue.  I also want to express my gratitude to law enforcement officials and the many States Attorneys General for their continued leadership in confronting the serious dangers posed by contraband cell phones.  

2