URGENT UPDATE: Authorities have confirmed that police forces are increasingly using advanced technology to track criminals through their mobile phones. This process, while often sensationalized in films and TV shows, is a critical tool in modern law enforcement.
Mobile phones are constantly “pinging” nearby towers, enabling real-time tracking. However, police must obtain a warrant for access to either historical or real-time data. This means that while tracking is feasible, it is not as instantaneous as depicted in media portrayals.
CONFIRMED METHODS: Law enforcement can utilize GPS and Wi-Fi signals for even more precise tracking, often requiring cooperation from the phone’s operating system. The primary systems involved are Android and iOS, both of which have their own privacy protocols that can complicate tracking efforts.
Furthermore, police are employing IMSI catchers, commonly known as “Stingrays.” These devices mimic mobile towers, forcing nearby phones to connect to them, thereby revealing location and data. First developed for military use, Stingrays are now widely used by local and state agencies in countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US.
Operating under strict legal frameworks, such as the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 and the Surveillance Devices Act 2004, police need warrants to intercept communications. Exceptions may arise in urgent national security cases, where quick action is crucial.
While serious criminals may discard phones or use burner devices to evade detection, it is not as simple as it seems. The cost of a burner phone in Australia can range from $19 to $49 for basic models, making them accessible but still traceable through networks.
Despite the challenges, police can link devices through patterns of movement and contact history. The use of advanced surveillance methods, including data from CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), enhances their capabilities.
WHAT’S NEXT: As technology evolves, so too do the methods used by law enforcement to track criminal activity. The public should remain aware of how their privacy is impacted by these advancements. Authorities are working to balance effective policing with civil liberties, ensuring that legal frameworks keep pace with technological advancements.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as law enforcement continues to adapt to the challenges posed by modern technology.
