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The Kelsey Smith Act
Posted by Randy | November 10, 2009

Nine days after she graduated high school, 18-year-old Kelsey Smith was abducted from a department store close to her home in Kansas in broad daylight. Realizing that Kelsey may still have had her cell phone, police detectives sought to use ping information to search for her. However, it took four days for authorities to cut through red tape to get the wireless provider to release her cell phone location information. Kelsey’s body was found four days later. 

 

In abduction situations, every second counts. Having access to cell phone information in the moment can provide valuable information to police. In fact, after Kelsey’s body was found, authorities were eventually able to use the ping information to track where Kelsey’s cell phone had been during her abduction.

 

I have cosponsored a bill, The Kelsey Smith Act (HR 3717), which would require wireless communication companies to swiftly provide call location information in emergency situations that involve the risk of death or serious physical harm. No parent should go through the agony of wading through red tape and paperwork when their child’s life is at stake. This bill gives investigators another tool to track missing persons and help save lives.

 

You can read more about my work on combating crime here.
Comments
The opinions expressed below are those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent those of this office.
  • Curtis Anderson commented on 11/10/2009
    Thank You. Go for it.
  • Scott Williams commented on 11/10/2009
    Who determines if it is an emergency? Not the police, too broad of police powers.
  • Randy Foster commented on 11/10/2009
    The bill sounds like a good idea as long as the power is not abused
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