La contrôleuse générale des lieux de privation de liberté, Dominique Simonot, estime qu'« une réflexion doit être engagée sur les possibilités d’un accès contrôlé » aux téléphones portables en détention dont l’usage est devenu « banal »
The issue of mobile phones in prisons is a significant concern, as they are considered a major problem and danger. Fixed phones, while available, are prohibitively expensive, with costs ranging from 8 to 18 cents per minute, making them inaccessible for many inmates. Dominique Simonnot, the controller of places of deprivation of liberty, has suggested allowing controlled access to mobile phones to curb the use of smuggled devices. However, this proposal faces resistance, particularly from Christy Nicolas of the prison guards' union, who fears that prisoners could misuse phones to threaten witnesses or manage criminal activities. In 2024, approximately 40,000 mobile phones were confiscated, underscoring the extent of the problem. Despite the installation of fixed phones since 2019, their high cost remains a barrier, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing this issue.
