Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey awarded $149,658 to the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) to take action about the rapid increase of illegally imported cell phones in prisons and jails all around the state of Alabama.
There has been a 60% increase in the confiscations of cellphones reported by the ADOC from 2019 to 2022.
All money given through the grant will be used to help fund the departments new Digital Forensic Unit program, which will use different technology and strategic collaboration to identify evidence of criminal activity.
Though cell phone may be locked, the unit will have access to forensic tools that can still gain information from the cell phones.
“Cell Phones create a number of security concerns in correctional facilities and are often used to foster violence and enable criminal enterprises,” said Gov. Ivey, “Reducing their usage will make these institutions safer for both correctional officers and inmates.”
The grant will be administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). The funds are made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.