Hey, it sounds like a good idea. And I never thought for a minute that it could/would not be done. Now NYC is using it and using it to solve crimes.
It appears that they are compiling a database of cell phone ID's and where those cell phones were used. I might add that if they wished they could also track the phones even when they were not being used -- just on.
Now here is one example of how the system has been used to solve a crime.
"In one case involving a 911 call, detectives solved a burglary pattern after the suspect left a slip of paper with his cell number on it at a crime scene, Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said.
The phone was disposable so no owner information was available, but police were able to track it to the suspect because he had used it to make a 911 call after he was assaulted."
And I love the irony of this example -- he gets mugged and calls 911 and he is a burglar! God must have a great sense of humor.
But the real issue is do we want our police to be able to track our every movement? Here is just one way in which it could be used. Let's say we have a "no-fly" list. Now we merge that list with a list of telephone locations for the last month. And then we find that a cluster of 10 of no-fly persons were at the same location on Nov. 10th. Coincidence. Not likely. This technology might have been able to avert 9/11.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/10/08/2009-10-08_number_please_nypd_tracking_cell_phone_owners_but_foes_arent_sure_practice_is_le.html
Or
http://tinyurl.com/y9lh6wq
So are you in favor of the widespread deployment of such a system?
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