Bill Penalizing Inmates for Contraband Electronic Devices Advances; DOJ Says Proposed Penalties “Lack Teeth”

Legislation creating criminal penalties for incarcerated people who possess or use unauthorized electronic communication or recording devices advanced Thursday from the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety. Bill 36-0301 received support from the V.I. Bureau of Corrections and the Department of Justice, but DOJ presented lawmakers with ten proposed amendments, including provisions to punish people who smuggle devices into correctional facilities, protect authorized communications and require any new prison sentence to run consecutively. The measure, sponsored by Senator Kenneth Gittens, would amend Title 14 of the Virgin Islands Code to prohibit incarcerated individuals from possessing or using electronic communication or recording devices. Introducing the bill, Mr. Gittens said unauthorized cellphones and other electronic devices “undermine the mission of the Bureau.” He said the devices are used to “facilitate criminal activity, intimidate victims and ...