Posted on 03/07/2014 5:35:25 AM PST by Wiz-Nerd
So named 'Stingray', because, well, it is a sting.
OK. I have a huge problem they did it without a warrant, and so does the court. That issue is addressed and can be remedied by the legislature.
What I don’t have a problem with is they were locating the theft of a cell phone by the phone itself. I have no problem with that at all, IF, they do their part in getting a warrant. What Judge would not sign a bench warrant for that? They do it for virtually everything else.
Just imagine if they could not catch car thieves by looking for the car by using the VIN?
Sorry, forgot the exerpt:
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The National Security Agency apparently isn’t the only government agency engaged in domestic spying.
Local law enforcement is playing the role of Big Brother, too, but to what extent is still unknown.
Recent court documents reveal a troubling cell phone surveillance program conducted by a Florida police department against unsuspecting cell phone users.
Attempts to keep the practice secret, even from judges, is raising questions as to just how prevalent police spying is within the Sunshine State.
The controversy stems from the arrest of James L. Thomas, a criminal suspect believed to be in possession of a stolen phone. Tallahassee police located and arrested Thomas by tracking a cell phone signal, then promptly searched his home.
Why would they need tp tap a phone to locate a cell phone?
I can locate my phone without listening or taping a convo.
They are not tapping it, just using the resources of “law enforcement” to locate it with a tool only available to “law enforcement”. The problem is the camel’s nose. What stops them from abusing it without oversight? Nothing, and we are all to familiar with what an unleashed government bureaucracy will try to get away with.
That isn’t a bench warrant. It is a search warrant. Worlds of difference. And it leads to a very slippery slope that can allow them to search your premises on a simple word. Think about that as a friend comes to visit and the police break down your door with guns ready to shoot because he found a phone in a parking lot.
No accepting more police intrusions....
Yeah, I have done that. Couple of years ago I found an iPhone. Had it for several hours until I could find a charging cord for it (I'm an Android guy). Thankfully it didn't have a lock, I was able to go through the address book in it and found someone that answered. That was a strange conversation. "Hi, uh, do you have caller ID, do you know who's phone is calling you? You do, great! See, I found this phone and I'm trying to find its owner..." Turned out the first person I was able to contact was the uncle of the young man who had lost the phone. I was able to get it back to him later that day.
But I wouldn't want a police team on my backside just 'cause I'm trying to do the right thing.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.