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Welcome to the EuroPris Knowledge Management System. The table below shows questions and responses from European National Agencies. Select a question for more information or use the filters on the left to narrow down questions based on Agency or Category.
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Introduction: Based on the continuous development of mobile communication means capable of transmitting sound, image and data (mobile phones, smart devices) and in order to ensure the purpose of pre-trial detention and prison sentence execution, it is also necessary to adequately secure the prison premises against the misuse of these means to commit crimes or illegal activities by inmates. The Corps of Prison and Court Guard is considering in the future to procure the detection means for detecting and locating the mobile electronic devices and therefore we would like to be inspired by the situation that is abroad.
Though we are trying to improve our detection systems, we don´t have this kind of technology generally implemented in the moment.
If yes, what kind of a device do you use to detect/ locate mobile phones? (e.g. mobile/built-in devices, name/type of device or alternatively producer and similar) In your opinion, what are the advantages/disadvantages of using this kind of device?Yes.
If yes, what kind of a device do you use to detect/ locate mobile phones? (e.g. mobile/built-in devices, name/type of device or alternatively producer and similar)We have a built in mobile detection system. It is mounted out of reach of the inmates. It detects 2G, 3G, 4G, Bluetooth and Wifi. It is a mobile detection system from Unify Business in the UK. We also have small mobile detection units, that the staff can carry with them (called ComStop).
In your opinion, what are the advantages/disadvantages of using this kind of device?The primary advantage is, that the system operates quite well. It is easy for the staff to overview the system from our control rooms. We have found quite a lot of mobile phones with the system. Disadvantage is, that you need to whitelist all computers in the facility (belonging to staff members), and that the mobile detections systems sometimes show registrations of mobile phones, that are not there (the system can be very sensitive, but that is also a good thing).
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Yes.
If yes, what kind of a device do you use to detect/ locate mobile phones? (e.g. mobile/built-in devices, name/type of device or alternatively producer and similar)In the prison system of the Republic of Croatia we use portable devices for detecting active mobile phones, which are activated when a prisoner turns on a mobile phone.
In your opinion, what are the advantages/disadvantages of using this kind of device?Portable devices for detecting active mobile phones are extremely useful in preventing possible criminal actions of prisoners caused by the illegal introduction of mobile devices into prison facilities, while as a disadvantage of using this kind of device we find the impossibility of detecting switched off mobile devices.
At the moment in General Directorate „Execution of Sentences“ are not used means to detect/locate mobile phones in the premises of inmates or in other premises.
If yes, what kind of a device do you use to detect/ locate mobile phones? (e.g. mobile/built-in devices, name/type of device or alternatively producer and similar)Not applicable.
In your opinion, what are the advantages/disadvantages of using this kind of device?The use of such device/s to a large extent will facilitate the finding of mobile phones, respectively will increase the effectiveness of searches in the premises and the detection of such devices. The disadvantage is the high price of devices, which have high accuracy and reliability in their use.
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We are using a mobile proximity finding detection device, capable of finding cellphones or any other simcard operated devices.
If yes, what kind of a device do you use to detect/ locate mobile phones? (e.g. mobile/built-in devices, name/type of device or alternatively producer and similar)We are using the “ Comstop mobile 4G” device from EFE. https://www.efe-gmbh.de/index.php/en/comstop#mobile-4g-2
In your opinion, what are the advantages/disadvantages of using this kind of device?The fact that it is a mobile/handheld device, that it can detect calls, text, data transmissions and even the standby mode of devices is a big advantage. The disadvantage is that it is labor intensive. For the best results it takes two members of staff to operate together. Please don’t publish this information publicly on the Europris website.
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We use different models of mobile phone finder devices to detect/ locate mobile phones in the cells of inmates or alternatively in other prison premises. Different models are also due to different mobile networks.
If yes, what kind of a device do you use to detect/ locate mobile phones? (e.g. mobile/built-in devices, name/type of device or alternatively producer and similar)At the moment we have in use the following ones: mobifinder® 5LTE/GSM and mobifinder 4 3G (UMTS).
In your opinion, what are the advantages/disadvantages of using this kind of device?Mobile phones are found when the phone is turned on – there has to be a signal - which can be a problem. Various electronic devices can also present disruptive elements. Determining the exact location can also present a problem especially if rooms are very close together. Random searches and pat-downs require time.
No. After the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, arrangements were made to issue each prisoner with a personal mobile phone. These are pre-loaded with an approved list of up to 20 phone contacts, together with helpline numbers to the Samaritans and the Prison Inspectorate. Only outgoing calls can be made during specific time slots in the course of the day and evening.
If yes, what kind of a device do you use to detect/ locate mobile phones? (e.g. mobile/built-in devices, name/type of device or alternatively producer and similar) In your opinion, what are the advantages/disadvantages of using this kind of device?This content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.
Yes, such devices are in use within HMPPS prison establishments.
If yes, what kind of a device do you use to detect/ locate mobile phones? (e.g. mobile/built-in devices, name/type of device or alternatively producer and similar)A number of portable radio frequency/signal detectors are available for prisons to use as part of their local security strategies. The models have slightly different capabilities but all are able to identify radio frequency signals from a mobile device in active or standby mode, and cover 2G, 3G and 4G networks. Additionally, hardware detection poles are widely utilised, which can identify contraband containing ferrous metals/iron, including mobile phones/mini phones.
In your opinion, what are the advantages/disadvantages of using this kind of device?Signal Detectors Advantages: Effective in locating devices when used correctly, enabling the removal of mobile devices from circulation within the prison population; smaller models are discreet and can be used covertly; others suitable for intelligence gathering and have internal storage capacity; able to use different models in conjunction, to locate and pinpoint devices; different antennas available; intuitive operating systems; some models detect WIFI and Bluetooth. Disadvantages: For all signal detectors, location, environmental and physical (structural) factors can impact use/results; sites need to consider own local factors and requirements and adapt accordingly. Hardware Detection Poles Advantages: Multi-purpose – can be used in a range of situations, to scan people (prisoners, staff and visitors), with no risk to health, and items( e.g. prisoner property, laundry, in-coming post); can detect items internally concealed; portable and can be used inside and outside. Disadvantages: Careful positioning is required. False alarms can be caused by items with moving metal parts in the vicinity of the pole (e.g. doors, computers, photocopiers, lifts, etc.)
The Latvian Prison Administration does not use devices that are capable to detect/locate mobile phones in the cells of inmates. Metal detectors and property scanners are used in prison premises where visitors and staff enter.
If yes, what kind of a device do you use to detect/ locate mobile phones? (e.g. mobile/built-in devices, name/type of device or alternatively producer and similar)N/A
In your opinion, what are the advantages/disadvantages of using this kind of device?The advantages of using devices to identify and locate mobile phones in prisons are very important to prevent prohibited items from reaching prisoners, who may be able to use them to commit new crimes. But, unfortunately, we cannot currently find an effective device in Latvian prisons to identify/find mobile phones in cells, because there are lot of metal constructions and devices around, which makes it very difficult to find mobile phones with standard metal detectors. Therefore currently the main mechanism for searching the prohibited items in cells is the work of staff/officials without additional devices.
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Yes
If yes, what kind of a device do you use to detect/ locate mobile phones? (e.g. mobile/built-in devices, name/type of device or alternatively producer and similar)MobilFinder
In your opinion, what are the advantages/disadvantages of using this kind of device?3. The MobilFinder is advanced technically. Training of personnel takes time, but gives good results when the equipment is used perfectly. Many officers do not have the best of competence, and the equipment can not give the best outcome without good competence. We have this tool located in 60% of the closed prisons. We have detected many phones by the use of this tool – annualy between 20and 60. Mobil devices and other illegal technical equipment are also detected by the use of other measures; ordinary access –routines like search of clothes and items meant for the inmates. New body-scanning has also shown to be successfully used detecting mobile-devices. We also pay great attention to the officers competence of dynamic security, referring to observations done in daily work related directly to the inmates, their environments and their behavior. The ability to share information in the whole of the staff is of great importance in the prisons to detect use of mobile phones/equipment. Some inmates are always trying to get hold of equipment enabling them to communicate with the outside world. This put pressure to the prisons to follow up in this technical development. The price is often high for the best and newest relevant equipment. Budget-challenges are usually a general obstacle we face. But we have to be updated in this field of security-development. Private companies are frequently promoting new equipment for the purpose of detection of mobile communication. We have centralized this kind of relation, to be able to control the needs of renewal of equipment. The conclusion is that we need these kind of tools, but the development to smaller items and to newer technology is very high in this field. The correctional service must follow up in this rapid developing sector around the world.
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