SACRAMENTO, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- California prison employees are responsible for most of the cellphones smuggled illegally into prisons but it would cost millions to prevent, officials say.
Authorities blame union rules for the costs that would be incurred if metal detectors were installed because contracts require prison guards to be paid for "walk time," the time it takes employees to walk from the prison gate to their jobs inside the facilities, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday. Metal detectors would require them to remove steel-toed shoes and other accessories, the Times said, increasing walk time.