California Police Using Anti-Terrorism Spy Tool in Investigations
Police in California have been using a secret domestic surveillance tool meant to combat terrorism and other homeland security threats in routine criminal investigations, according to newly published documents.
The documents, obtained by KXTV Sacramento, raises concern about whether police are regularly violating the privacy of Californians not suspected of a crime and if law enforcement agencies are misappropriating state and federal funds designed for anti-terrorism campaigns.
The documents focus on a piece of hardware called “StingRay,” a portable metallic box manufactured by Florida-based Harris Corporation that is used to intercept cell phones within a certain area.
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