NCTC Cell Phone Use in Drug Trafficking Investigations

It has become increasingly difficult for law enforcement to successfully exploit cell phones due to the evolution of smartphone technology. Criminals' heavy reliance on cell phones makes it crucial for police officers to learn common cell phone terminology and understand the data they receive from cell phone companies. Historical cell-site data and specialized location records have been utilized in hundreds of investigations to successfully track a criminal or put them near a crime scene. Information will be presented during this block of instructions on the benefits of using these records, the limitations of the records, and the best software to map the records.

Smartphone Applications (APPS) have become the preferred method of communication for criminals. Although the content of many APPS is encrypted, there are digital imprints left behind on the actual device. Information will be presented on various APPS, as well as the types of data that can be…