Law Enforcement Wants Right to Use Cell-Jamming Tech
Feb 3, 2009, 9:19 AM by Eric M. Zeman
Local law enforcement agencies have indicated that they want the ability to jam cell phone signals. Right now, only the federal government is permitted to jam cell phone signals and it is against the law for anyone else - including state and local police organizations - to jam any commercial radio signal. The federal government does not share many details about its use of cell-jamming technology, but uses it overseas during military actions to interrupt communications before raids and attacks. The Secret Service used cell-jamming technology at the recent inauguration of President Obama. Police organizations say the technology can be used to foil terrorist attacks, prevent suspects from destroying or removing evidence from a phone, and prevent incarcerated criminals from using cell phones at all, which are considered contraband. The CTIA contends that cell jamming is a "blunt instrument" and it is easy for normal citizens to be adversely affected if signals were to be jammed, including the inability to reach 911 during an emergency. Despite the risks, local law enforcement agencies are taking their case to Washington, where the idea is beginning to gain support. To-date, however, no change in the law has taken place.
more info at Washington Post »
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Comments
| Subject | Author | Date |
| Jamming May Not Even Work Well | craigsw |
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| Issues with this idea | matellinc |
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| Freedom | Azeron |
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