When technology and cops search capabilities meet, the huge technological advancements that the world has witnessed over the past few decades can appear extremely threatening. Our lives are clarified in a comprehensive way on our mobile devices.
It is possible that when the authorities collect the information on a mobile phone, they will get much more information than is necessary for their investigation.
Knowing your rights and being aware of police search powers are more important than ever if you are a subject in a police investigation.
Understanding the tools that authorities can use to access your phone’s information during law enforcement is also beneficial.
In this article, we’ll be looking at how long the police can keep your phone for an investigation, and the necessary software they make use of while tracking phone calls using the IMEI or your mobile phone number. So let’s dive in deeper!
Contents
How Long Can Police Keep My Phone For Investigation?
The police can choose to give your mobile phone back to you immediately after an arrest if nothing is found on you and you’re asked to go home.
However, in cases where there are traces of crime found or suspicions after going through your phone, the police will keep the phone until after all the necessary investigations.
Can The Cops Listen To My Phone Conversations?
Police can listen to your phone conversations in several ways. They can track your phone and listen in on all your calls using International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher. Note that your mobile phone SIM card has a unique number which is called an IMSI.
Your phone will display this number after it establishes contact with an IMSI catcher. By assessing the intensity of the phone signal, the IMSI catcher may then determine where your phone is at that moment. Agencies such as Metropolitan Kent, Essex Police, etc use this technology to carry out their investigations effectively.
Furthermore, your phone calls can be monitored by IMSI catchers. Some have the power to alter your texts, reroute your calls, or even disable your phone so you can’t use it.
Can The Police Use Force On Me To Get My Password?
In the case of your arrest or questioning by the authorities, having a password-protected phone offers you some measure of protection. You will be warned by the police at the time Of your arrest that you are not required to say anything.
This shields you from having to respond to inquiries from law enforcement and eliminates the need for you to reveal your phone’s password or any other social media login information if asked.
However, issues can develop if you’re under investigation for involvement in terrorism or offenses against minors. All of your open electronic device passwords will be demanded which you must disclose lawfully.
Furthermore, in circumstances involving juvenile exposure, harassment to a minor, or national security, failing to submit your device password is a crime punishable by two-five years imprisonment. Regular police officers are not permitted to issue this form of notice; only specialized personnel may do so.
Can The Cops Read Through My Text Messages?
When the authorities access your information via phone extraction, it is possible that they can read your text messages easily as well. They can also obtain a court order requiring your service provider to reveal a record of the dates and locations that messages were sent as well as their receivers.
The contents of text messages won’t typically be included in these lists. Unencrypted phone message contents can be seen by your service provider, therefore it’s feasible that the police could get this information.
The cops can also monitor your phone calls and read your text messages using tools like IMSI catchers. Consequently, the police can examine your SMS messages while conducting an investigation.
Do The Police Need a Warrant Before Searching Through My Device?
A common search warrant is required before searching for an individual. The police must persuade the judge that they have reason to think that the object, data, or location being searched contains evidence of a crime before the search can be carried out.
A police officer must normally file an affidavit based on trusted sources that detail objectively questionable activities to establish reasonable suspicion. There must be evidence that the device they seek to search contains data that can help them with their inquiries.
Can I Be Stopped By The Cops Asking For Access to My Mobile Phone?
It is the police’s legal right to stop you from questioning. However, you aren’t required to stop at all times or respond to any questions. Although, in most circumstances, you are to answer a few nontechnical questions.
Also, your unwillingness to respond to queries cannot be used as justification for a search or an arrest if there isn’t any evidence to support that suspicion.
If the police have any legitimate cause to think you have illegal substances such as firearms, stolen items, or maybe something that can be used to commit a criminal act they do have the 100% right to check your phone. Most times searching through your phone can assist in their investigation or clear suspicion.
How Can Someone Hack My Phone Through The IMEI Number?
One of the ways to hack a mobile Device using its IMEI number is ethical hacking. Sometimes ethical hackers will do it to gain access to the target device by circumventing the firewall protection system.
Additionally, it is also claimed that some spy apps provide IMEI number-based smartphone hacking tools. Because of this, you must guard the IMEI of your phone jealously. Don’t try to share it with anyone, regardless of who they are.
Hackers can also locate you using the IMEI number of your handset. Also, ethical methods are used, when law enforcement agents monitor suspects by hacking their phones and making use of their IMEI numbers with the assistance of telecom providers. Nevertheless, it can only be done by obtaining all necessary approval.
Which Software Can Be Used By Cops to Track Phone Calls Using The IMEI or Mobile Number?
When tracking phone calls using your IMEI or your phone number, the cops can do that using the telecom operator company, Universal Forensic Extraction Device, find my iPhone app for iPhone and Android device manager for android phones.
Your mobile devices can be monitored or hacked using your IMEI number and your phone number through the help of the telecom operating company and this is the most commonly used among the above-mentioned apps.
During this process, if you forget your mobile phone’s IMEI number, the telecom company corporation whose sim card is active on the phone can readily access your IMEI and phone number.
The IMEI number of the telephone in which that sim card was being used will be sent to you by your telecom operator once you have provided them with all the necessary things required.
It can be achieved because your telecom operator can automatically register your phone’s IMEI number on their system and network anytime you insert a sim card into any mobile telephone and turn it on, the phone establishes a connection to their network.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, It’s a good start that you’re reading content. People who find themselves in situations like these have already given their devices and login information to police officers out of a sense of obligation. We’d suggest you speak with a lawyer to help you get the best legal representation rather than blindly agreeing with the police officers’ requests.
https://www.phonecheck.com/blog/how-to-check-imei-number-hacked
https://www.stuartmillersolicitors.co.uk/what-police-phone-number-england-wales/
https://www.burtoncopeland.com/news/do-police-have-right-search-your-phone/