In the last 10-20 years Police have unleashed an extremely effective yet seemingly invisible investigative tool in their “war on crime”. The device in question fits easily in your pocket and most of the population already possess one, if not more.
Mobile phones are being utilised with devastating effect by Police against unsuspecting targets simply by intercepting conversations and text messages. That went a step further in recent times with the FBI creating an encrypted trojan horse called ‘ANOM’ which allowed them to own and operate the network that alleged criminals were utilising.
Despite popular belief, the listening “devices” which enable Police to silently spy on people’s lives don’t even require to be planted in your phone. The technology used enables the Police to simply access the phone network and begin listening.
This investigative method erodes a person’s right to silence, records admissions without the proper and usual warnings from Police, and finally, is a substantial invasion of privacy.
Everything said or sent in a message is evidence, there need not be any other corroborating evidence except the “admissions” captured within conversation.
These so-called “admissions” are quite often made in conversations with friends, and are used in evidence despite whether the statements are actually true. The Police then make arrests because an “admission” to a crime or crimes is made, with the evidence being nothing more than a phone conversation between friends or relatives.
The ever increasing use of this tactic by Police has ensured countless people have been charged and convicted of crimes they may never have committed, simply because they made “admissions” on the phone.
Whilst most law-abiding members of the public won’t be particularly concerned by the use of this technology, it is important to note that Police listen to or see both sides of every phone call and every text message and photo. One doesn’t need to be the subject or “target” of the telephone intercept to be caught up in the investigation.
A simple joke or “banter” over the phone with the wrong person could now spell disaster for any member of the public, and it is only when this happens that this issue will be brought to the attention of the public – and by then it will be too late and have their privacy invaded.
Disturbingly, figures suggest that Australians are now nearly 20 times more likely to have their phones “tapped” than citizens in the Unites States.
Furthermore, new proposals would allow the widening of powers to use this method to investigate less serious crimes, leading to even more use of this methodology.
Should you have any questions or are concerned that you or those close to you might be subject to telephone intercepts, do not hesitate to contact the Brisbane Criminal Lawyers at Jones + Associates on our 24h number (07) 3229 3166.