Geek Out

Deep Inside Prison’s Dark And Tangled Economy

A movie-goer’s concept of prison economy is likely that it’s a cigarette-fuelled barter system. That may be part of it, but it only scratches the surface. The truth is a violent world of sex, drugs and… postage stamps?


January 4, 2011
Mobile

A Smartphone Is A Prisoner’s Best Friend

A recent prison strike orchestrated by an inmate with a mobile phone has touched off a debate about how to stop them from getting in. Prisoners can post pictures on Facebook and arrange drug deals. Even Charles Manson had one!


July 22, 2010
Mobile

US Congress Moves To Nix Mobile Phones For Convicts

Following a similar law passed by the US Senate, the House has voted to close a legal loophole that allows mobile phones to reach federal prisoners. Legislators hope the move will block inmates from conducting criminal activity while locked up.


December 17, 2009
Gadgets

Bloodhound Detector Sniffs Out Contraband Mobile Phones

And they smell like butt. Why? Because that’s where inmates cram ‘em. So it looks like the Bloodhound here will be pointing directly to the backside of a lot of prison jumpsuits.