João-Pierre arrived in 1997 at the door of NJBIZ, then known as Business News New Jersey, as an intern and was hired that same year as a staff writer. For more than 12 years he has covered the retail, technology, and media industries in the state. He also handles principal online news writing at NJBIZ.com. João-Pierre is a lifelong resident of the state and graduated from Rutgers University. 
Wireless industry solutions provider Berkeley Varitronics Systems Inc. in Metuchen said Tuesday it has successfully field-tested its cell phone detector at a county correctional facility in New Jersey. The company did not name the facility, which it said is among the ten largest of its kind in the country.
Cell phones are contraband for inmates at correctional facilities but are smuggled in by accomplices from the outside. The Bloodhound cell phone detector is a handheld device used to track down wireless phones. Berkeley Varitronics is marketing the
Scott Schober, chief executive of Berkeley Varitronics, said it was one of the larger scale field tests for the detector. He said detecting cell phones is an issue in the civilian world as well. “In universities it’s become a huge problem with cell phones and students cheating,” Schober said. He said a university wants to test the Bloodhound in exam rooms to monitor for cheaters.
He said the company has been contacted by various other agencies interested in possible testing of the Bloodhound.
The company said the Bloodhound was tested at a New Jersey correctional facility with 1,300 inmates watched by more than 400 guards and staff. The device was used to track down contraband cell phones while in use.
Berkeley Varitronics released the Bloodhound last December as an alternative to using special search dogs at correctional facilities and cell phone jamming which is currently barred by federal law.
E-mail João-Pierre Ruth at jpruth@njbiz.com
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