Police Oversight Commission to Review Police Department Request for Cell Site Simulator

The Community Police Oversight Commission in Pasadena is set to hold a 6 p.m. meeting tonight to discuss several key issues, including a review of the Pasadena Police Department’s request to purchase a cell site simulator.

A cell site simulator, also known as a Stingray or IMSI catcher, is a device that mimics a cell tower, forcing all cell phones in the vicinity that use the impersonated network to share information with it. Law enforcement agencies use these devices to locate and track cell phones with greater accuracy than phone companies.

The meeting will also include a discussion on the policy for the use of the cell site simulator. 

This comes amid growing concerns about the privacy implications of these devices, as they operate by conducting a general search of all cell phones within the device’s radius, potentially violating basic constitutional protections.

The Community Police Oversight Commission is expected to vote on these matters during the meeting. The outcome of this vote could have significant implications for how the Pasadena Police Department conducts its operations and how it balances its duties with respect for citizens’ privacy rights.

The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall and will also be accessible via Zoom. Public comments can be submitted online before the start of the agenda item they wish to speak on.

Computer or electronic devices may join the meeting at:  cityofpasadena.net/cczoom

Telephone only dial-in will be available at 1-669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 161 482 446