The city of Pasadena, CA’s police oversight commission is set to review and recommend action to the City Council regarding the police department’s request to purchase a Cellular Site Simulator (CSS) and establish a policy governing its use. The device, often referred to as a “stingray” functions by mimicking a cell tower, enabling it to locate nearby mobile phones by connecting to them, according to Pasadena Now.
According to the police department, acquiring a CSS aligns with the goal of enhancing public safety through advanced technology. The tool can determine the geo-location of a cellular device, a capability that can be critical in investigations, such as locating suspects or missing persons.
The proposed policy emphasizes compliance with the Fourth Amendment, requiring law enforcement to obtain a court order before deploying the technology. Importantly, the system does not allow access to the content of communications—such as calls, texts, or emails—on the targeted devices, focusing solely on location data.
The City Council previously postponed a vote on the purchase during the October 23 meeting, citing the need to review relevant state statutes. The oversight commission’s recommendation could play a pivotal role in shaping the council’s final decision on this matter, according to Pasadena Now.
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