Local lawmakers propose law in D.C. requiring phone providers to release locations in emergencies - KMBC Kansas City

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. —

Local lawmakers are once again introducing the Kelsey Smith act on Capitol Hill. The law requires cell phone providers to release a phone's location in a life or death emergency. It may have saved the life of 18-year-old Kelsey Smith in Overland Park, Kansas.

15 years ago, Kelsey Smith walked out of a Target store in Overland Park and disappeared. Despite a massive search, it took four days for the cell phone company to agree to release the location of her phone.

Within 45 minutes of retrieving her phone’s location, police located Smith’s phone and her body. She had been abducted, raped and murdered.

“I can't even imagine the anguish that they went through for four days. I wouldn't wish that on anybody,” Overland Park Police Chief Frank Donchez said.

Kelsey’s Law was first enacted in Kansas more than a decade ago. It's now on the books in 30 states, including Missouri. Her parents fought hard for the creation of the law in their daughter's name.

The goal is to make it a tool for law enforcement everywhere. The authority to ping a phone without a warrant is limited to emergency situations. With today's technology, Overland Park police say it's a tool they need.

“Boom. we get the ping. We find out where they're at and maybe they're still alive. We rescue them. That's the goal of this,” Donchez said.

The legislation has been introduced and failed in Washington several times before. The issue is privacy. Opponents, including the ACLU, argue there's too much risk of abuse.

Supporters believe it provides enough safeguards and hope lawmakers can see that.

“I'm sure that they would like to see this if something happened to one of their loved ones and would like to see us take quick action,” Donchez said.

Kelsey Smith's killer, Edwin Hall, pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty. He is currently serving life without parole.

source: https://www.kmbc.com/article/local-lawmakers-propose-a-law-on-cell-location/38082306

Your content is great. However, if any of the content contained herein violates any rights of yours, including those of copyright, please contact us immediately by e-mail at media[@]kissrpr.com.