JAMMING

I spotted this article at the Washington Post via Pajamas Media.Com. The article is about the use of equipment by federal agencies to jam wireless devices and the desire to allow local law enforcement the same abilities.

It is an increasingly common technology, with federal agencies expanding its use as state and local agencies are pushing for permission to do the same. Police and others say it could stop terrorists from coordinating during an attack, prevent suspects from erasing evidence on wireless devices, simplify arrests and keep inmates from using contraband phones.

But jamming remains strictly illegal for state and local agencies. Federal officials barely acknowledge that they use it inside the United States, and the few federal agencies that can jam signals usually must seek a legal waiver first.

The critics would rather that law enforcement find non disruptive techniques to obtain the desired results rather than disrupt Joe Citizens phone call.

"When lives are at stake, law enforcement needs to find ways to disrupt cellphones and other communications in a pinpointed way against terrorists who are using them," New York City Police Commissioner Raymond F. Kelly told a Senate panel Jan. 8. He also cited the Mumbai terrorist attacks, when hostage-takers used media spotters and satellite and mobile phones to help them outmaneuver police at hotels, train stations and other targets.

Occasionally suicide bombers have second thoughts and decide that they aren't really ready for "martyrdom,” unfortunately, a handler will step in and activate the explosives wirelessly.