Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Before Using StingRays, Police Must Sign NDA With FBI

Posted by samzenpus on from the the-first-rule-of-tracking-club dept.

v3rgEz writes Advanced cell phone tracking devices known as StingRays allow police nationwide to home in on suspects and to log individuals present at a given location. But before acquiring a StingRay, state and local police must sign a nondisclosure agreement with the FBI, according to documents released via a MuckRock FOIA request. As Shawn Musgrave reports, it's an unusual setup arrangement for two public agencies to swear each other to secrecy, but such maneuvers are becoming more common.

4 of 124 comments (clear)

  1. Isn't mutual secrecy just implied? by swb · · Score: 5, Informative

    Of course we won't arrest you for drunk driving or domestic assault Mr. FBI, just like you won't arrest us for violating civil rights or using this highfalutin' cell phone spy gizmo.

  2. More common, and possibly unconstitutional... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Because if they don't get a warrant, and don't tell the judge how they acquired the evidence, it's still OK, right?

    1. Re:More common, and possibly unconstitutional... by mythosaz · · Score: 5, Informative

      Nah, now that we've listened in on your phone calls, we'll begin our process of Parallel Construction.

      Thanks for making the calls though :)

  3. Re:What if they break the NDA? by Charliemopps · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Who goes to jail? Everyone who signed the NDA?

    Edward Snowden. He's also responsible for all future acts of Terrorism, wars, and the color Beige.