Can officers request a phone ping if they are surrounding a residence where a subject is known to be?

Can officers request a phone ping if they are surrounding a residence where a subject is known to be?

• A. Yes, if they believe the subject is a flight risk
• B. No, because they know where the subject is
• C. Yes, if they have a warrant for the subject's arrest
• D. No, unless there is an immediate threat to life

Answer: (B)

The statement that officers cannot request a phone ping because they know where the subject is is grounded in the understanding of how and when law enforcement can utilize tracking technology. A phone ping is typically used to determine the real-time location of an individual when that location is unknown or needs to be verified for ongoing situations, such as pursuits or searches for missing persons. When officers have already surrounded a residence where a subject is known to be located, they possess the necessary information about the subject's whereabouts. In such cases, requesting a phone ping may not be justified, as they do not require additional data to ascertain the subject's location. Therefore, invoking this approach would not align with the operational standards regarding the use of tracking technology, especially since they can physically observe the subject's location. Contrastingly, the other options mention scenarios where either the subject is a flight risk, where they have a warrant, or where an immediate threat exists—all of which highlight situations that may warrant a phone ping despite the officers knowing the subject's general area, but do not apply when the subject is already confirmed to be at a specific location.

The statement that officers cannot request a phone ping because they know where the subject is is grounded in the understanding of how and when law enforcement can utilize tracking technology. A phone ping is typically used to determine the real-time location of an individual when that location is unknown or needs to be verified for ongoing situations, such as pursuits or searches for missing persons.

When officers have already surrounded a residence where a subject is known to be located, they possess the necessary information about the subject's whereabouts. In such cases, requesting a phone ping may not be justified, as they do not require additional data to ascertain the subject's location. Therefore, invoking this approach would not align with the operational standards regarding the use of tracking technology, especially since they can physically observe the subject's location.

Contrastingly, the other options mention scenarios where either the subject is a flight risk, where they have a warrant, or where an immediate threat exists—all of which highlight situations that may warrant a phone ping despite the officers knowing the subject's general area, but do not apply when the subject is already confirmed to be at a specific location.