How the police can track your mobile phone

In the UK, police can track calls on a mobile phone using several legal and technical methods. These methods are governed by strict laws, ensuring privacy is protected unless there is a valid reason, such as a court order. Here’s how the police can track mobile phone calls:

1. Cell Site Location Data

– How it works: The police can request data from mobile network providers that show which cell towers a phone has connected to during calls. By analyzing connections to multiple towers (triangulation), the police can estimate the phone’s location at specific times.

– Legal Basis:  Investigatory Powers Act 2016 or the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

2. Call Detail Records (CDRs)

– How it works: Telecom companies store call logs, which include details like numbers dialled, call duration, and timestamps. Police can access these records to track who a person has been communicating with and the frequency of those communications.

3. Real-time Wiretapping

– How it works: Police can intercept and listen to live phone calls through wiretapping technology, although this is used in more serious criminal investigations. This allows them to capture the content of conversations.

– Legal Basis: Wiretapping requires a warrant, and the police must demonstrate a significant need, often in cases involving serious crime or terrorism.

4. IMSI Catchers (Stingrays)

– How it works: IMSI catchers mimic cell towers and force nearby mobile phones to connect to them. This allows police to capture phone metadata (caller identity, call times) and track a phone’s location in real-time.

– Legal Basis: The use of IMSI catchers in the UK is subject to secrecy, but it’s believed that their deployment falls under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.

5. Mobile Device Forensics

– How it works: If the police physically seize a mobile phone, they can use forensic software to extract call logs, contacts, and even deleted information from the device. Tools like Cellebrite are often used for this purpose.

6. GPS and Location Services

– How it works: Some smartphones continuously share location data via GPS, which can be accessed if the police have legal permission. Apps that track location (like Google Maps) can also be used to monitor movements.

Relevant Legislation

Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA): Known as the “Snooper’s Charter,” this act gives police and intelligence services extensive surveillance powers, including tracking communications metadata and intercepting calls.

– Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA): RIPA governs how the police and other government bodies can monitor and intercept communications during investigations.

In all cases, the police must that the tracking is necessary and proportionate to the investigation.