In 2008, then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s general counsel approved the covert purchase of a Stingray unit for the Illinois State Police. More than $240,000 in federal Homeland Security funds were used in the unit’s acquisition. Another $12,800 was spent to train four special agents on how to use the device at the Florida headquarters of Harris
Law Enforcement Takes Advantage Of Hazy Lines Between Public, Private Life
The expanding use of public surveillance tools, like Stingrays, among law enforcement illustrates the dire need for a clear demarcation of public and private space.