TACOMA POLICE DEPARTMENT

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.

Previously asked questions:

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: Why is it important for police to have a tool like this?
A: It is an investigative tool that is valuable for local law enforcement to locate suspects wanted for
serious felonies to include; homicide, rape, robbery kidnapping, and narcotics trafficking. It is also used
to locate missing and/or endangered persons.
Q: How often have you used the cell site simulator to detect or prevent IEDs?
Tacoma Police Department
3701 South Pine Street
Tacoma, WA 98409

 A: We have not used it for those purposes.

Q: How often have you used this device since you got it in 2008?
A: 180 applications as of June 2014.

Q: Do you get a warrant each time you use it?
A: Yes

Q: What do you do with the data collected from non-suspects?
A: We do not collect data.

Tacoma Police Department
3701 South Pine Street
Tacoma, WA 98409