RCMP confirms use of cell phone tracking technology in criminal investigations
Posted Apr 6, 2017 07:27:17 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – The RCMP has confirmed the use so-called mobile device identifiers, also known as Stingrays, to identify and locate cellphones.
In a rare disclosure of police tactics, the national police force acknowledged in a statement that it used the technology 19 times last year, but insisted that it did so in compliance with the law and with judicial authorization.
The Mounties say the devices can identify and locate cellular devices, such as a mobile phone, enabling police to identify and apprehend a criminal suspect or locate a missing person.
The statement from the RCMP also says it does not intercept phone calls, email or text messages, contact lists, images, encryption keys or basic subscriber information.
The statement went on to say except for cases where there is an immediate threat of death or serious harm, police must obtain warrants to use the devices.
