Attorney General Chris Carr has sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) supporting its proposed rule, allowing state and local law enforcement to use jamming technology to combat contraband cell phones in prisons and jails.
For context, current FCC policy prohibits the use of jamming equipment, even in highly controlled environments. This blanket restriction fails to account for the unique security needs of these facilities and is based on an outdated statute enacted long before contraband cell phones presented an issue.
Now, inmates routinely use smuggled phones to coordinate scams and criminal enterprises, intimidate witnesses, and orchestrate violence both inside and outside prison walls.
For example, 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.
Another gruesome example is the two 13-year-old boys who were killed in a drive-by shooting, which was ordered by an incarcerated gang leader in a Georgia state prison.
This kind of criminal activity compromises the safety of correctional staff, other inmates, and the public at large. Just last year, the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) seized and processed over 15,500 cell phones and more than 150 drones.
The FCC’s proposed rule would empower correctional administrators to implement jamming systems that disrupt unauthorized wireless communication within prisons, without affecting legitimate service outside the facility.
Carr commented on the extreme nature of this issue and believes it is a matter of life and death. The Attorney General simply finds it unacceptable for inmates to have this kind of capability.
“We have heard from law enforcement across the state that this is one of the biggest challenges they face each day, and jamming the signal of these contraband cell phones is the most effective solution,” Carr stated. “We have fought tirelessly for years to combat this issue, and we’re proud to finally have a partner in the FCC who will stand with us to keep people safe.”
Inmates are using contraband cell phones to direct violent crimes, & innocent Americans are losing their lives.
We fought the Biden administration to keep people safe.
Now, we’re joining 22 AGs in support of @BrendanCarrFCC’s efforts to combat this issue once & for all.… pic.twitter.com/3RAiDdgLlL
— GA AG Chris Carr (@Georgia_AG) September 26, 2025
