That Cell Phone In Your Hand Is A Tracking Device
Pastor Dale Morgan
That Cell Phone In Your Hand Is A Tracking Device*
Just how often law enforcement has used the technology to track down a
body or help solve a crime was not available, mostly because agencies
are reluctant to discuss their investigative tools.
Beijing (XNA) Jul 27, 2007
Cell phone signals are being used by law enforcement officials to find
missing people in romote areas, to track terrorists and fugitives, and
to place suspects near crime scenes, experts say. "The average citizen
is not aware that they are carrying a location-tracking device in their
pocket," said Kevin Bankston, a lawyer for the Electronic Frontier
Foundation, a San Francisco-based group that works to preserve privacy
rights.
When turned on, cell phones constantly emit locator signals called pings
so their companies know to which towers to route phone calls, Bankston said.
Investigators can obtain logs from wireless companies containing such
data to track people's movements, he said. In urban settings with many
towers, the location can be narrowed down greatly - to within blocks. In
more rural settings with fewer towers, a more general location can be
established.
Most new phones also contain Global Positioning System chips that
communicate with satellites, allowing authorities to pinpoint a precise
location of the handset. The chips are one way companies can comply with
federal rules designed to give emergency dispatchers more information on
the location of cell phone callers.
Just how often law enforcement has used the technology to track down a
body or help solve a crime was not available, mostly because agencies
are reluctant to discuss their investigative tools.
Bill Hagmaier, executive director of the International Homicide
Investigators Association, said almost all major police agencies employ
the technique to crack cases.
"It's an outstanding tool. Who doesn't carry a cell phone these days?
Cell phones are almost as popular as jewelry and wallets," he said.
"It's a fairly new investigative tool but it's one that is certainly
growing in use."
Source: Xinhua News Agency