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The Tacoma Police Department has a cell site simulator. There is a nondisclosure agreement in place
between the federal government and the department regarding this technology. The equipment is used to
locate a specific cellular device, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws to further investigate
public safety matters. The technology does not collect content such as voice, text, or data, and does not
retain any data or other information. It is used in felony level crimes to locate suspects wanted for crimes
such as homicide, rape, robbery, kidnapping, and narcotics trafficking. It is also used to locate missing
and/or endangered persons. In every circumstance when the technology is used we obtain a court order
regarding the particular cellular device.
Q: Do you have a cell site simulator? How long have you had it?
A: We have had a cell site simulator since 2008 and began using it in 2009.
Q: How often have you used this device since you got it in 2008?
A: 180 applications as of June 2014.