Md. Bills to Set Limits on Crime-Fighting Devices

Maryland lawmakers are sponsoring four bills they say will set rules that law enforcement in Maryland must follow–like making sure police have warrants before tracking cell phones.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

January 16, 2014

Maryland lawmakers are sponsoring four bills they say will set rules that law enforcement in Maryland must follow–like making sure police have warrants before tracking cell phones, reports CBS affiliate WJZ in Baltimore.

A proposed law would not allow police to store information scanned by license plate readers for up to a year–as they now do. Anne Arundel County Police Chief Kevin Davis says keeping those records for a year assists in investigations.

Though no Maryland police agency currently uses drones, lawmakers say it’s time to get ahead of the curb and regulate drone use by police.

Some of the privacy bills are expected to meet opposition from Maryland law enforcement groups who will argue that changes in the law would limit their ability to fight crime.

Topics:unmanned aircraft Smartphones Maryland Privacy Maryland Laws Technology

More Technology

Learning How to Manage Your Fleet?

Watch this tutorial on how fleet management platforms work. You’ll see how easily you can integrate fleet telematics, dash cameras, and asset management in a single pane of glass and manage your fleet more effectively.

thumbnail from video series From the Show Floor, headline features Semtech.

Technology•by Wayne Parham•October 31, 2025

From the Show Floor: Semtech

Learn about the latest ruggedized routers designed for public safety vehicles as POLICE visits with Greg Hill of Semtech. These routers are equipped with the latest 5G technology.

How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management

Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.

Photo of three computer screens displaying software soluitions in a trade show booth.

Technology•October 26, 2025

Genetec Showcases Its Latest Public Safety Innovations at IACP 2025

Genetec demonstrated its Cloudrunner, Citigraf, and Clearance during IACP 2025 to show how they can provide law enforcement with a unified situational awareness to make cities safer.

Analysts reviewing geospatial data on multiple computer screens in a monitoring center

Patrol•October 14, 2025

Ohio’s Statewide Drone First Responder Program to Take Flight

Over the next two years, the Ohio DFR Pilot Program will equip municipalities with advanced drone systems, deliver comprehensive training for first responders, and enable FAA-approved Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations.

Beyond the Plate: Real-Time Video Intelligence for Police Operations

Join us for an inside look at how agencies are enhancing frontline decision-making with visual intelligence that goes beyond the plate. This session will show how pairing LPR data with live camera feeds delivers faster, safer, and more coordinated responses—on everything from stolen vehicles to active BOLOs.

Forensic investigators documenting a crime scene using 3D scanning technology, with Z3D software displayed on a laptop and a FARO 3D scanner on a tripod.

Beyond the Scene: Next-Gen 3D Forensics

Crime scene documentation demands speed, precision and clarity. Join FARO’s forensic experts to explore how the latest 3D scanning innovations are transforming crime scene analysis. Learn how mobile and stationary 3D scanners streamline workflows, reduce human error and deliver courtroom-ready visuals. Whether you're focused on data integrity, operational efficiency or evidence presentation, this session will show you how to capture, analyze and communicate scene data faster and more accurately than ever before.