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Prosecutors Drop Key Trial Evidence to Avoid Explaining Stingray Use

posted by janrinok on Wednesday November 19 2014, @10:03PM   Printer-friendly
from the doesn't-the-oath-require-the-whole-truth? dept.

Serp Kannella the Odious writes:

In a Baltimore trial courtroom on Monday, a local judge threatened to hold a police detective in contempt of court for refusing to disclose how police located a 16-year-old robbery suspect’s phone.

But rather than disclose the possible use of a Stingray*, also known as a cell site simulator, Detective John L. Haley cited a non-disclosure agreement, likely with a federal law enforcement agency (such as the FBI) and/or the Harris Corporation, since the company is one of the dominant manufacturers of such devices. Stingrays can be used to determine a phone’s location, and they can also intercept calls and text messages.

Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry G. Williams retorted, "You don't have a non-disclosure agreement with the court," according to the Baltimore Sun.

* [Submitter's Note: Surely there's a joke about fishing expeditions to be had there.]

 
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  • (Score: 3, Interesting) by Thexalon on Wednesday November 19 2014, @10:56PM

    by Thexalon (636) on Wednesday November 19 2014, @10:56PM (#117886)

    All too often, mayors are loathe to question their police chiefs, because pissing off the police is a good way to cause trouble in your city. Some reasons for that:
    - Any uptick in any kind of crime will be used to attack the mayor. And an annoyed police force will make sure that something like this is splashed all over the front page of the local newspaper.
    - Cops are unionized, and a work-to-rule is not fun for the city.
    - Local cops are usually the only physical security available to the mayor. If a mayor has pissed off the cops, and a nutcase or criminal decides to try something, the cops will be less motivated to do their jobs.
    - Local cops not-infrequently have dirt on the mayor that they could release.

    --
    The only thing that stops a bad guy with a compiler is a good guy with a compiler.
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  • (Score: 2) by frojack on Wednesday November 19 2014, @11:00PM

    by frojack (1554) on Wednesday November 19 2014, @11:00PM (#117889) Journal

    This isn't mexico, or a tv show.

    You might be surprised to learn how little mayors have to do with police other than nominating the chief.

    --
    No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.

    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday November 20 2014, @02:50AM

      by Anonymous Coward on Thursday November 20 2014, @02:50AM (#117961)

      This isn't mexico, or a tv show.

      RU sure?