Check out this must-read item from MSNBC about state and local law enforcement accessing locator information from personal cell phones, using data uncovered by the ACLU from open records to analyze the growing frequency of such requests and the millions of dollars earned by cell phone carriers from the practice.
Grits was particularly interested in a suggestion by a former Justice Department official who "favors a system that would require cellphone carriers to inform
customers – even after the fact – that law enforcement has obtained
their location or cellphone call data." That would be an excellent idea for privacy legislation when the Texas Lege meets next year.
I don't want them to notify me. I just don't want them going on fishing expeditions on me or anyone else. They should have a warrant before they go meddling in my personal business.
ReplyDeleteI guess buying a pay per use phOne every month...
ReplyDeletePity there's no information for Texas. I'd be curious to see what the various law enforcement agencies' policies are here.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteThat only means Texas didn't respond, in the typical Texas law enforcement fashion. They wont tell anyone what they are doing unless forced to. You can bet your bottom dollar it means they do it as much or more than any others.
Now to the issue at hand, I would think it would depend on the circumstances. if someone is missing, yes locate them, if the police are tracking a bank robber and he is stupid enough to carry his cell phone, Sorry about your luck. but if they "think" someone is doing something and just want to track their movements I dont agree. If they want to track your cell by GPS then they should get a warrant. If a persons actions are so in question as to legitimize a warrant in the eyes of a judge, telling them would simply negate the purpose of the warrant. So I weigh in under dont tell them.
This whole no warrant thing has gotten out of hand. The American people are just too docile and stupid to do anything about it. You do know that 30,000 drones are expected to be over the unfriendly skies of the USA before 2020 don't you?
ReplyDelete