Delaware State Police use of cell site simulators to track phones

Delaware State Police have laid out how they use cell site simulators, a technology that they use to track phones. The information released comes on the heels of what DSP says are widely held misconceptions about the usage of the technology.

In an attempt to address growing concerns from the public, they have released some information on how they utilize this technology during investigations.  Since the inception of the tool, DSP says that they have always sought legal authority through the power of a Delaware Superior Court Justice.  However, officials say that incidents involving an emergency circumstance are an exception to the requirement for immediately obtaining judicial permission.  Authorities say that in these cases efforts are simultaneously sought to secure judicial permission.

Delaware State Police stress that they do not retain third party information on cell phones.  To elaborate, officials say that they cannot identify who is operating the cell phone, and police say that they do not have the capacity to intercept the concept of calls, texts, or photographs.

The Delaware State Police say they are committed to protecting the right to privacy of the citizens they serve.  They hope that the information released about the simulators that are used will alleviate any convern regarding the use of the technology.

This comes in the wake of a nationwide debate about access to cell phones during investigations.  The debate stems from the ongoing feud between tech company Apple, and the FBI