Warrants for cell phones.

In a ruling earlier this week, a federal judge stated that officers no longer need a warrant to get a cellular phones location from a provider, but do still need a judges permission. The judge must first know why the officers need the information and what it does for their investigation, but they no longer need to obtain a warrant from the judge. This means that the time needed to get the information decreases drastically, but it will also keep officers from abusing this power. With the officer still having to get a judges permission to obtain cell phones location from a cell provider, people do not have to worry about gross misuse of the rule. That is why we have judges.

I think that this was a smart move. Not only will it decrease the time needed to obtain information during an emergency, but it also makes sure that the officer notifies a judge. This means that the officer cannot just ask for the location of a cell phone because he wants to see where his kid goes. This makes sure that the reason for using the tracking is legitimate and approved by a judge.  It will also confirm to the wireless carrier that the person asking for the information is truly an officer and not an impostor. The judges permission carries weight in the law enforcement field and I believe that this was a smart move on the courts behalf.

As I have said before, I work with a law enforcement agency. I know how important it is to get information during an emergency. I believe that this ruling will speed up that transaction but will prevent the officer, or anyone from misusing this power. The judge will be responsible on when this gets to be used, and judges are well trained individuals. As always this is just my opinion. I suggest you read the story and then let me know your opinion.