By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The FBI has prohibited local and state police from discussing the capabilities of surveillance technology that enables law enforcement to eavesdrop on cell phone calls, the Washington Post reports. A letter obtained under the Freedom of Information Act shows that the FBI requires police departments to sign a “non-disclosure agreement” before…
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The Justice Department is launching a broad civil rights investigation into the Ferguson Police Department after an unarmed black teen was shot, leading to protests, unrest and more abuse from local cops. The Washington Post reports that the investigation is expected to be announced as early as today by Attorney…
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The militarization of local law enforcement has become a hot button topic since police in Ferguson employed their weapons during the recent protests, Bloomberg Businessweek reports. What’s not getting as much attention is surveillance equipment that some police forces are getting from federal law enforcement. In Tacoma, Wash., police were using…
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com Wall Street Journal reporter David Bird was last seen leaving his home in New Jersey more than a week ago. Now the FBI is getting involved and helping local police, Fox News reports. Bird, 55, disappeared on Jan. 11 after going on a short walk in Morris County. So far, local police…
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The FBI is urging local police to closely monitor social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, for criminal activity, according to an official publication on the bureau’s website. The FBI publication also encourages law enforcement to be cautious about their own postings to avoid trouble with the law and others. In some cases,…
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com Local police across the country soon will be using the FBI’s facial recognition software to help identify suspects, reports Government Computer News. The FBI is extending its facial recognition pilot to other states after Michigan began testing the program in February. Hawaii and Maryland are planning to sign on to the program. Others…
The question is: Will local police abuse the right if allowed to jam cellphones? And how often are local police in a situation that would require such action? By Spencer S. Hsu Washington Post Staff Writer WASHINGTON — As President Obama’s motorcade rolled down Pennsylvania Avenue on Inauguration Day, federal authorities deployed a closely held…
Historically, local law enforcement has complained about the FBI not sharing enough information. There may still be complaints after this, but it may help deflect some complaints. By DEVLIN BARRETT Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON — The FBI has launched a system to share tips about possible terror threats with local police agencies just in time…
