Michigan State Police Say Cell Phone Data Only Extracted with Consent, Warrant

Michigan State Police use devices to extract information from people's cell phones only with owners' consent or with a search warrant, an official told a House committee today.

"These are not being used in routine traffic stops," said State Police Inspector Greg Zarotney.

He said the devices, used since 2006, are rarely carried in troopers cars, but rather are used at State Police facilities where confiscated cell phones are taken as part of criminal investigations.

Those who give consent sign State Police forms giving permission to download texts, images, or audio files, Zarotney said.

Source: Detroit Free Press

Related: Michigan ACLU Questions Troopers' Use of Cellphone Data Extractors