Tennessee State Lawmaker Wants to Block Police from Cell Phone Tracking

A recent study by USA Today and Gannett found that found 1 in 4 state and local police agencies are using new technologies to tap into cell phone data by accessing the nearby towers. It’s not confirmed that police agencies in Knoxville, Knox County, or Nashville are using this technology but Tennessee State Senator, Mae Beavers, is trying to make sure they don’t The Senator announced that she will introduce a bill next session that, if passed, will require local and state police to get a search warrant before collecting data. “There is a way to use it as a crime fighting technique and that’s to go to a judge, get a warrant, and use it legally,” said Senator Beavers. (Source: USA Today) Many lawmakers are looking into taking these steps in order to protect the privacy of its citizens. Up until recently it wasn’t well known how often cell tower data was being used on a daily basis. Senator Beavers argues not using a search warrant is a violation of the fourth amendment and Americans’ privacy.