Sheriff's Department Watches for Open Networks
Sheriff's Department Watches for Open Networks
by , 9:20 AM EDT, June 29th, 2006
The Douglas County Sheriff's Department in Colorado is hoping to cut down on Internet-related crimes by equipping some of its patrol cars with equipment to detect unprotected wireless networks. It is one of the first law enforcement agencies in the country to launch such a program. According to KUSA TV, deputies can watch for wireless networks that aren't password protected, and warn owners of the potential security risks.
Brian Radamacher, a member of the Douglas County Sheriff's Special Investigations Unit, said "If someone is driving by on the street they could easily use your internet access to commit a crime, whether it's fraudulent credit card transactions or surfing child porn or something else."
If criminal activity is traced back to your Internet connection, your computer could potentially be seized as evidence and held for months before you get it back. "The unfortunate thing is when we go to issue the warrants or something else you may end up getting your computer seized because of it," he says.
The Sheriff's Department will also provide wireless network owners with information on how to password protect their networks.
Observer Comments
Thu Jun 29, 2006 11:56 am Subject: Two questions
1. ust how do they know which building houses a particular network? Of course, this could be a very upscale, rich area, where houses may be spaced far apart. On a good day, depending upon where I take my PowerBook in my house, I can pick up two other networks than my own. Sure, a directional antenna MIGHT help, but wouldn't be definitive.
2. Who is paying for this? Sounds like the Sheriff's Department has far too much idle time.
Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:24 pm Subject: Direction finder
Quotegslusher wrote:
1. ust how do they know which building houses a particular network? Of course, this could be a very upscale, rich area, where houses may be spaced far apart. On a good day, depending upon where I take my PowerBook in my house, I can pick up two other networks than my own. Sure, a directional antenna MIGHT help, but wouldn't be definitive.
2. Who is paying for this? Sounds like the Sheriff's Department has far too much idle time.
I assume they could use a direction finding antennae to point to the source. Triangulate if necessary.
As to having too much time on their hands. Here in San Diego we have 2 patrol officers per 50,000 people, not enough. They don't even respond to fender benders unless you call it in as a DUI
Comments are currently closed. Please email the author instead.
Recent Headlines - Updated March 21st
- Fri, 5:55 PM
- Games - Namco Releases Match-Three Game Tinseltown Dreams to the App Store
- 5:16 PM
- News - iPad Launch Day Deadline for Developers: March 27
- 5:11 PM
- News - Steve Jobs Helps Promote Organ Donor Legislation
- 4:06 PM
- iPad - VIVmag Shows Off Interactive iPad Version in the Works
- 3:07 PM
- App Store - Microsoft Yanks Bing App From Foreign App Stores
- 2:05 PM
- iObserver - Analysts Downgrade Troubled Palm Amid Severe Revenue Drop
- 1:35 PM
- In-Depth Review - PhoneSuite MiLi Packs a Powerful Punch
- 1:11 PM
- News - YouTube to Viacom: Sue Yourself
- 11:34 AM
- Product News - PocketMac for BlackBerry 5 Improves Snow Leopard Support
- 10:59 AM
- News - Apple iGroups Patent Hints at Social Networking Plans
- 10:20 AM
- Hot Forum Topic - Reader Discussion: Who Will Buy Palm?
- 9:50 AM
- News - Bharti Airtel Lands India iPhone 3GS Deal
The Mac Observer Reader Specials
- TypeStyler For Mac OS X is Now Shipping! Download The Free Fully Functional 60 Day Tryout at www.typestyler.com
Mac Memory and Hard Drives: MacBook Pro Memory 8GB kits $349.99! iMac Memory 4GB DDR Kits for $109.99! Mac Pro Memory 4GB Kits for $135.99! Mac Hard Drives 1.5TB Seagate SATA II for $147.99! Click Here!
- CarMD Handheld Device & Mac/PC Software System saves you time and money on car maintenance and repair. Buy at www.CarMD.com! Save $10 with code TMO2.
If you're using a Mac, then you've gotta check out Full Tilt Poker for Mac. This Full Tilt Poker bonus code does the unthinkable, it actually rewards!For the latest Apple products use Ciao, a price comparison website, to find laptops like MacBook Air. Then find the best prices on MP3 players and use our comparison tool to evaluate mobile phones like the Apple iPhone.

