U.S. Police Engage in Warrantless Electronic Tracking

A new study found that police all over the country routinely ignore the Fourth Amendment by tracking cell phones.

In fact, departments are ignoring the Fifth Amendment as well, because much of the tracking takes place without a warrant, according to the results of a survey issued in early April by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The survey found that "many" of about 200 departments surveyed said they tracked cell phones without being permitted to do so by a court. While some departments like Wichita, Kan., and North Las Vegas, get warrants first, others - such as the Kentucky State Police - "said they use varying legal standards, such as a warrant or a less-strict subpoena." More...