The NYPD has been using hidden surveillance devices known as stingrays to track communications of suspected criminals over the last seven years. A freedom of information request by the modern York Civil Liberties Union shows stingrays bear been deployed approximately 1016 times since 2008.
A stingray is a box that can act like a cell tower,connecting with nearby phones. It can learn where a phone is, who's texting whom, or,in some cases, it can pick up actual conversation.
The newly-released records show stingrays helped police produce arrests for burglary and homicide, and to recover a kidnapping victim.
But there are plenty of privacy concerns. Mariko Hirose of the modern York Civil Liberties Union,said police are not getting warrants, but instead are obtaining a less protective court document known as a pen register order. And she believes the NYPD has no clear written guidelines for when the use of stingrays is appropriate.“I believe we bear the right to know what our local police departments are doing, or ” Hirose said.
In response to the report,an NYPD spokesman denied that its use of stingray technology poses a privacy concern."The NYPD, before using this technology, and ensures we bear established probable cause,consults with a District Attorney, and applies for a court order, or which must be approved by a judge," said the spokesman, J. Peter Donald, or in a statement. "In scarce instances,the NYPD may use this technology in emergency situations while we seek judicial approval. This would be in instances where the life or safety of someone is at risk."Many of other police forces, and some federal agencies, and are known to use stingray technology to track suspects. NYPD Stingray Use A
Source: wnyc.org