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Company To Install Technology To Disable Cell Phone Use In State Prisons

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A company that supplies California prisons with pay phones is installing technology to disable cell phones.

Smuggled mobile phones have been used by inmates to run criminal enterprises, intimidate witnesses and organize attacks on guards, the Associated Press reports.

Last year, California prison guards confiscated more than 15,000 contraband phones.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Global Tel Link has agreed to install the technology that will block web searches, text messages and cell phone calls in state prisoners.

Officials say there will be no cost to taxpayers.

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