intercepting data........

[dynamitedjs]

1. Is it illegal to intercept data through airwaves?

2. If not, has someone made software that will do this?

3. The reason I am asking I would like to see dispatched calls and IM's of my local PD. I want to set up my laptop to do this.

 

[dynamitedjs]

Just receive only.......

 

[K5MAR]

Without addressing the legal issues (I think it's a no-no, but I have no proof), let me point out that most MDT systems are encrypted. The software that is out there is old and can't handle encrypted data. On top of that, it IS illegal to attempt to decode any encrypted communications, voice or data. So the long and the short of it is: it may or may not be legal to intercept and view non-encrypted MDT traffic; it is illegal to attempt to decode encrypted MDT traffic.

Mark S.

 

[crayon]

K5MAR is right on target. dynamitedjs, this topic has been covered quite a bit around here and you might find it interesting to read some of the past posts on it.

WARNING!!! The "S" word is about to be used. Stop reading this thread NOW if you are prone to mental instablity.






dynamitedjg, click on SEARCH link at the top of your screen and type in these keywords exactly as I have typed them here:

decode AND mdt

You should be presented with about 19 threads to read from.

enjoy!



For all of you didn't stop reading, and now want to get bent out of shape .. you all may now go fly a kite as I do not feel like taking the time to post every single link to each thread.

 

[AZScanner]

3. The reason I am asking I would like to see dispatched calls and IM's of my local PD. I want to set up my laptop to do this.

Can it be done? In some cases, yes. In others, it can if you spend enough money and know a thing or two about radio modems. In still others, you can't no matter what you do. You have to do some homework - find out what they use and go from there. It will make a big difference.

Is it legal? This is a real sticky question. So far, the short answer is "Yes, if the system isn't encrypted". However, if you are stopped by your local PD and they see their own CAD system running on your laptop you will have to answer some rather nasty questions, especially in these post 9-11 times we live in. You can bet at the very least, it will spell out a ride to the station and hours of intensive interrogation. They will take away your laptop, and most likely secure a warrant to search your home. In the name of "evidence" they will gather up your computers and your scanners and it will be weeks or months before you can get them back. When you do get them back, don't be surprised if they weren't taken care of very well: "Oops, looks like someone dropped a bowling ball on your laptop. Sorry." It may sound paranoid but this type of thing really happens.

In short, they will make certain that you know how much they dislike what you've done.

If you are intercepting NCIC data it gets worse as the feds then have to get involved. Even though there's a chance you will not be successfully prosecuted they can make your life a living hell, just do some reading up on what happened to Bill Cheek: http://www.qsl.net/n4tyv/freq/Bcheek.htm.

IF you decide to do it, I would caution against 1. Intercepting PD systems or any data system that carries NCIC data and 2. Sharing the research you've done in a public forum such as this. It's all too easy to find you if the feds really want to - just ask Bill's wife. Good luck!

-AZ

 

[Cobra_Commander]

3. The reason I am asking I would like to see dispatched calls and IM's of my local PD. I want to set up my laptop to do this.

Can it be done? In some cases, yes. In others, it can if you spend enough money and know a thing or two about radio modems. In still others, you can't no matter what you do. You have to do some homework - find out what they use and go from there. It will make a big difference.

Is it legal? This is a real sticky question. So far, the short answer is "Yes, if the system isn't encrypted". However, if you are stopped by your local PD and they see their own CAD system running on your laptop you will have to answer some rather nasty questions, especially in these post 9-11 times we live in. You can bet at the very least, it will spell out a ride to the station and hours of intensive interrogation. They will take away your laptop, and most likely secure a warrant to search your home. In the name of "evidence" they will gather up your computers and your scanners and it will be weeks or months before you can get them back. When you do get them back, don't be surprised if they weren't taken care of very well: "Oops, looks like someone dropped a bowling ball on your laptop. Sorry." It may sound paranoid but this type of thing really happens.

In short, they will make certain that you know how much they dislike what you've done.

If you are intercepting NCIC data it gets worse as the feds then have to get involved. Even though there's a chance you will not be successfully prosecuted they can make your life a living hell, just do some reading up on what happened to Bill Cheek: http://www.qsl.net/n4tyv/freq/Bcheek.htm.

IF you decide to do it, I would caution against 1. Intercepting PD systems or any data system that carries NCIC data and 2. Sharing the research you've done in a public forum such as this. It's all too easy to find you if the feds really want to - just ask Bill's wife. Good luck!

-AZ

Hey AZ That link doesnt work. it takes you to a advertising page.

 

[AZScanner]

Hey AZ That link doesnt work. it takes you to a advertising page.

WHAT?! :shock: Oh yeah... it does..

Try this one. http://www.geocities.com/45peter/billcheekarrest.html

Sorry!
-AZ