New cell phone detection devices helping security at Eastern Correctional Institution

A new device is helping correctional facilities across the state of Maryland. 

It's a machine that helps officials locate cell phones and weapons and it's in use at 24 jails, including the Eastern Correctional Institution.

These new detection devices were needed. Especially after ECI had their racketeering operation last year. 80 people indicted led to the largest case in the U.S. District Court for the district of Maryland. 

Smuggling in burner phones allegedly helped inmates organize these activities.

So the state knew this was a problem that had to be fixed and that's why they invested $1.8 million into portable scanners.

These new portable scanners are two times more powerful than normal detection devices. 

In order to hinder illicit operations from happening again, these 16 scanners at ECI and Annex are bringing innovative technology. It's called Cellsense. 

Jim Viscardi Vice President of Global Security for Metrasens says, "It uses a different technique to detect cell phones, weapons and contraband. Detecting their magnetic signals over their metallic mass. That allows the department to use a system that can smell things the traditional medal detector can't, that can detect things that are inside the body, which traditional medal detectors can't and to give them a portable system that they can use not only at the front door to screen visitors but also screen inmates and their belongings."

Once these new devices were announced inmates were even coming forward with their own weapons. 

On the first day 24 weapons were collected and over 75 weapons have been collected since the equipment was implemented.

With technology developing, their former devices had a hard time picking up cell phones that keep getting smaller with reduced metal components. Cell phones as small as a key fob. 

Cellsense hoping to stop the war on cell phones and weapons– to help continue protecting these facilities.

The correctional officers had a day long training to learn these new devices. 

ECI will search the inmates every single day. They have 3 shifts and Cellsense will be used at every shift as well. 

Beyond that, we were able to talk to officials about their understaffing was problem. 

Back in January, they were down 60 correctional officers. 47 ABC has learned that they are still down 39 correctional officers and are trying to entice people to sign up by offering a new incentive.

They say anyone who applies can earn an extra $5,000.

They'll receive $2,000 once they pass the academy and then they'll get the rest after working a full year. 

Once a month, they are offering testing at the Wor-Wic Community College.