The Stingray: How Law Enforcement Can Track Your Every Move

RALEIGH, North Carolina (WTVD) -- You could be just about anywhere and data on your cell phone can be scooped up by law enforcement without your ever knowing. It happens all the time.

The device that makes it possible is called a "cell site simulator." That's the generic name; Stingray is the most common brand name.

Initially developed for military use, Stingrays have made their way into local police and sheriff's departments around the country. Months ago, the I-Team sent open records requests to every law enforcement agency in our viewing area and learned that three agencies close to home have been using cell site simulators: the Wake County Sheriff's Department, Durham Police Department, and Raleigh Police Department. A spokesperson for RPD told the I-Team they stopped using theirs when the software needed to be upgraded.

The ACLU's Mike Meno has been watching Stingrays spread into local law enforcement for years.

"Like a lot of militarized technology and surveillance technology, this is something that was developed overseas and it was developed for one use, but then it comes back home and is used against our own citizens. It's used here in the States. And the government will say, 'We need to keep this confidential,' but we have constitutional rights. We're supposed to have checks and balances," he said.

[GudJonnyCakes]

He is a public servant but he says"he doesn't care what people say" that should speak volumes to his integrity

[TheRBW]

Patriot Act opened the door to this kind of surveillance.

[seymourscagnetti]

When was the last time "anyone" ever said: "I see there is a cop in my rear view mirror and he is following me, this is a good Probably never.

[AirmanKolberg]

“You don’t tell your battle plans, ” you do if you’re a public servant. You serve us. You tell us everything, or we replace you. Simple as that.

[VIRGONOMICS]

Hearing Law Enforcement basically calling US Citizens “ Enemy Combatants” says a lot .

[awakeningtotheuniverse]

Let's build one of our own, let's track where all officials are currently are at and who their talking to.

[larrybrinley]

"a General doesn't tell his battle plans...."
There you guys go, the citizens are the enemy apparently without any war.

[LuckyCharms]

There ought to be a law that prevents law enforcement and cities from entering into secret contracts.

[irenehansen]

I am a victim of sexual assault committed by a retired state trooper. I reported it and was approached on the street several times by other retired officers wanting to know what I intended to do in the case. I was baffled how they knew where I was. I suspected my new iPhone. I now know. They also knew my conversations as they were repeated back to me. I live in fear due to this abuse of power I am a victim of a life changing crime and these Criminal officers are getting away with stalking and intimidation. Why hasn't this been a news worthy issue. Police abusing there authority to protect a criminal.

[samfosdick]

Benjamin Franklin once said: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

[trayhomes]

I have a stingray and I use it to track police officers, their locations and personal information on them and their family members. 👍

[tricatfilms]

They all access this data without a warrant. But if they see criminal activity which they suspected, they will manipulate other data to obtain a warrant. Edward told us all of this 11 years ago.

[hamfistsman]

I just leave my phone at home when I am commiting crimes.

[thomasbarker]

"If you choose safety over freedom. Then you deserve neither."

[thedivinelifeofdes]

Researched this device over 10 years because of my own experience with someone misusing it. Everyone told me I was crazy and it was impossible. Now it’s finally coming to the light. Here we are in 2023 I can only imagine the upgrades that have been made. agencies have to sign NDAs to even purchase the device, that alone says a lot! There’s so much more to it than what’s being revealed to the public. Wow.

[darrenboyd]

Invasion of privacy. No better than a thief

[oscargrouch]

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." - Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution

They intercept and track ALL cellular telephone calls within range. That is clearly a violation of the 4th Amendment. That seems like police are on random fishing expeditions not limited surveillance conducted according to a search warrant. A search warrant must restrict them to tracking and bugging a specific telephone number not scanning every cellular number within range.

[BenDover-gzbg]

I remember years ago the talk about cellphones tracking you. You were crazy to even think such a thing. I also told my wife that they could track your every step, she said I was crazy and went on her daily walk not to forget her phone with the health tracker app.

[Screech]

"When an officer is suspicious of his wife cheat-... um, that's all I'll say."

[r.nugent]

Who watches the watchers? I am a cop, and I DO NOT agree with it. It steps all over the Bill of Rights, and the fourth amendment. It violates the very constitution that I took an oath to defend.