THETRUTHABOUTCARS– The Michigan State Police have a high-tech mobile forensics device
that can be used to extract information from cell phones belonging to
motorists stopped for minor traffic violations. The American Civil
Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan last Wednesday demanded that state
officials stop stonewalling freedom of information requests for
information on the program.
ACLU learned that the police had acquired the cell phone scanning devices and in August 2008 filed an official request for records on the program, including logs of how the devices were used. The state police responded by saying they would provide the information only in return for a payment of $544,680. The ACLU found the charge outrageous.
“Law enforcement officers are known, on occasion, to encourage citizens to cooperate if they have nothing to hide,” ACLU staff attorney Mark P. Fancher wrote. “No less should be expected of law enforcement, and the Michigan State Police should be willing to assuage concerns that these powerful extraction devices are being used illegally by honoring our requests for cooperation and disclosure.”
Read more about Michigan: Police Search Cell Phones During Traffic Stops.
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