Police say it's an important investigative tool
LANSING (AP) -- Michigan State Police officials say they extract cell phone data daily as they examine evidence in criminal cases.
But they added during a Tuesday hearing that it's "extremely uncommon" for police to ask average citizens for permission to use devices to extract their data. Most of the time, police get a warrant.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan is worried state police may be extracting personal data from cell phones illegally, a concern state police say is unfounded.
House Oversight, Reform and Ethics Committee Chairman Tom McMillin said he has no real concern that police are doing anything wrong but wants to assure the public that their rights aren't being violated.
The ACLU says it's still waiting for answers on how often state police use the devices.
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