Exigent Mobile Phone Ping Requests

Question 1

Case law has determined that pinging a mobile phone is the equivalent of conducting a ____; therefore, ____ must exist prior to obtaining ping results. A court order, signed by a ____, must be obtained prior to pinging a mobile phone, except under ____.

Answer 1

search; probable cause; district judge; exigent circumstances

Question 2

The ____ shall notify the unit ultimately responsible for investigation of this incident (ie. Homicide for Kidnappings, Missing Persons for endangered missing, Robbery, etc.) to get permission/approval from its designated detective (a detective who has been authorized by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office) to determine if the request shall be approved. Once approved, the ____ shall assist with completing and, if necessary, signing the Exigent Request form to be sent to the cell phone provider.

Answer 2

Watch Lieutenant; Watch Lieutenant