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.
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Comments
Jamming May Not Even Work Well
The hypothetical "remote lookout" can simply use other means, such as Family Radio Service radios, hand-signals to somebody watching who can call on another land line or use an Internet connection (possibly with Tor!) to send a warning message, and so forth.
Cell phone jamming is a bad idea as it takes out the unprepared citizen's ability to report important information and/or to request help during an emergency.
There are other alternatives such as lawful intercept, collection of E911 positions on phone in a target area, and spoofing of calls and/or test messages to target cell phones to confuse the users and gain an advantage for law enfor...
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Issues with this idea
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There have been to many instances of shoot first ask questions later, just look what happened when cops were given tasers. 😕
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Freedom
Thomas Jefferson said it even more directly: “Those who trade freedom for security will find themselves with neither.â€Â
Bottom line is this: The freedom which one willing surrenders is not so easily reclaimed. There is no benevolent government in this world. The U.S. government is made up of indivduals all of whom are flawed. Are they all evil? No. But some most assuredly are. They are certainly made up of more than a few hypocrites. Those who campaign against prostitution, but solicit prostitutes. Those who are against gay lifestyle but place their gay lovers on the sta...
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Azeron said:...
“They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.†- Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Jefferson said it even more directly: ââ
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