While most of us finally hold back play spies , American police force section have found it increasingly problematical to grow up , using military - developed surveillance equipmentfor criminal offense as minor as 911 hangupsin late twelvemonth . Sensing an opportunity , defense contractors manifestly step in to fulfill the demand , as demonstrated bya fresh leaked 2014 product catalogfrom British defense firm Cobham .
https://gizmodo.com/cops-are-using-stingray-surveillance-for-minor-crimes-l-1687962540
Obtained by The Interceptas part of a larger text file underprice from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement , the 120 - page catalog for “ tactical communication and surveillance ” gadget suggests almost comical the States for its sick spy power train . The Cobham SOL8HDTX video recording sender , for instance , is ready to be hold back in items ranging from “ iHOME ” to “ Outdoor Trash can . ”
Photo Composite: Hudson Hongo, Photos:Shutterstock
“ Discreet intention is the key word for any equipment used in covert operations , ” read the catalogue . “ Concealments that resemble everyday object are an effective way to covertly monitor targets and gather vital information . ”
Alongside the bugged pocket knives and James Bond belt ammunition , however , the catalog offer more troubling wares . A section titled “ Cellular Surveillance ” explain how the party ’s cell phone tower - burlesque IMSI catcher ( popularly known as “ Stingrays ” ) can be used for “ identifying and monitoring suspects , exploring mark contact particular and intercept outgoing voice calls and SMS message . ”
“ By design , these devices are indiscriminate and operate across a wide area where many people may be present , ” Privacy International applied scientist Richard Tynantold The Intercept , characterizing the equipment as “ the essence of aggregative surveillance . ”
For its part , Britain ’s fifth declamatory defense firmhas apparently since left the undercover agent game : In January , Cobham sell its ably - nominate “ Surveillance Business ” division to Marlin Equity Partners fora report $ 10 million in cash .
[ The Intercept ]
DefensePrivacySurveillance
Daily Newsletter
Get the best tech , science , and culture news in your inbox day by day .
News from the future , delivered to your present .
You May Also Like
