NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Federal Communications Commission recently took the first step in allowing state and local prisons to use technology that blocks cellphone signals in hopes of stopping inmates from using contraband phones to commit crimes from behind bars.

Officials say illegal cellphones have been inmates' key to the outside world, allowing them to run criminal enterprises, deal drugs, and order hits on individuals all from within prison walls.

“These devices pose a grave threat to the safety of correctional staff, incarcerated individuals, and the public at large," said Olivia Trusty, an FCC commissioner.

For example, in Tennessee an inmate used an illegal cellphone to orchestrate drug conspiracy deals by mailing a package full of methamphetamine to his girlfriend from be

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