Bill allowing GPS tracking leaves some uneasy
SIOUX CITY JOURNAL
Mike Glover | February 12, 2012
Iowa lawmakers are considering giving police new power to track suspects with GPS devices, but some argue the proposal could infringe on privacy rights.
Supporters of the measure now in the state House said it’s a simple matter of applying new technology to traditional police work.
They note that the measure would require police to ask a judge for a warrant before they could attach a device to a car that uses global positioning system technology to track its movement. If a judge gives the OK, such a device could be used for 30 days.
“If the judge OKs a search warrant, that means there’s possible criminal activity,” said Rep. Clel Baudler, R-Greenfield, a retired Iowa State Patrol trooper who sponsored the bill. “It’s the same thing as following somebody without having to use the manpower.”
Others have criticized the measure, saying it would needlessly let government intrude on private lives.
Related article:
GPS court ruling leave US phone tracking unclear
(AFP | Rob Lever | February 10, 2012)
Tags: Fourth Amendment, GPS, Iowa, law enforcement, Privacy