614 – Use of Pen Registers

You are here:

I. Purpose

It is the Policy of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) to utilize every lawful investigative tool. Pen registers, electronic serial number readers (ESN), and similar equipment are extremely valuable investigative tools. This policy is meant to encourage the lawful and appropriate use of pen registers, ESN and similar equipment while respecting the rights and privacy of all individuals. The scope of this policy is for use in both emergency and non-emergency situations

II. Definitions

          Pen register- A device or process that records or decodes dialing, routing,    addressing, or signaling information transmitted by an instrument or facility from  which a wire or electronic communication is transmitted, if the information does  not include the contents of the communication. The term does not include a  device used by a provider or a customer of a wire or electronic communication  service in the ordinary course of the provider’s or customer’s business for  purposes of:

1. Billing or recording as an incident to billing for communications services; or

2. Cost accounting, security control, or other ordinary business purposes.

           ESN reader- A device that records the electronic serial number from the data      track of a wireless telephone, cellular telephone, or similar communication    devise that transmits its operational status to a base site, if the device does  not intercept the contents of a communication.

          CALEA- Communications Assistance to Law Enforcement Act: mandates that      communication carriers, including cell phone companies, voice over internet  protocol (VOIP) phone providers, landline telephone companies, and even  internet companies, such as email providers and internet traffic, be able to  provide law enforcement real-time information in a standardized format on the  use of communications services by those under electronic surveillance pursuant  to a lawful legal demand.

          Designee- A certified deputy that is qualified and designated by the Sheriff and   acknowledged by the Harris County District Attorney to declare “emergencies” to  cellular carriers. State law defines these designees as follows: “Must be a  member of a law enforcement unit specially trained to deal with life-threatening  situations,” meaning a peace officer who, as evidenced by the submission of  appropriate documentation to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

NOTE: Throughout this policy, the term “pen register” will be used and is meant to broadly refer to the legal definition of “pen register, ESN reader, or similar equipment” collectively. It is also important to note that the primary use of pen registers today in law enforcement is in regards to cellular telephones. The existing pen register laws have been construed to now apply to any process in which real-time outgoing dialed digits are accessed by law enforcement in real-time. In most cases, law enforcement will see this data on a computer; therefore, there is very little use of any actual physical devices anymore.

III. Policy

If the HCSO wishes to make use of pen registers, ESN readers, or similar equipment in standard, emergency and non-emergency investigations, the Sheriff of Harris County, Texas will designate at least one Supervisory Sergeant within the Criminal Investigations Bureau ( CIB)  who is assigned to the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Fugitive Task Force ( GCVOFTF) or the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team ( VCAT),  who is authorized to operate a pen register, ESN reader, or similar equipment in standard, emergency and non-emergency investigations.

This supervisor will oversee the officer’s compliance with applicable laws in regards to the HCSO’s use of pen registers in standard, emergency and non-emergency investigations.

 NOTE: Texas Department of Public Safety Approval: Texas Code of      Criminal Procedure Chapter. 18B.001 (3) requires each designated law enforcement office (in this case the HCSO) to submit a written policy such as this to the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety for approval.

IV. Procedure

Emergency Situations: To make a declaration of an emergency within the meaning of this policy, the following facts must be present. This procedure comes into effect only when there is an “immediate life-threatening situation” which, by statute, is defined as a hostage, barricade, or other emergency situation in which a person unlawfully and directly:

• Threatens another with death, or

• Exposes another to a substantial risk of serious bodily injury.

If a designated deputy installs or uses a pen register or trap and trace device in such an emergency situation, the deputy will:

A. Promptly report the installation and use to the prosecutor through which the device is installed or used, and

B. Within 48 hours after the installation is complete or the use begins, whichever occurs first, obtain an order pursuant to CCP Article 18B, Sub Chapter C, authorizing the installation and use.

C. If the judge the authorization is requested through fails to issue an order authorizing the installation and use of such a device within the 48-hour period or denies the application, the deputy shall terminate the use of and promptly remove the pen register or trap and trace device.

NOTE: If any HCSO employee not designated by this policy believes an emergency exists which would warrant the implementation of these procedures, a Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Fugitive Task Force (GCVOFTF) or a Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) supervisor will be contacted via Watch Command for assistance. Once contacted, the GCVOFTF/ VCAT will be responsible for all contact with the cellular company, and the responsible deputy who requests assistance shall meet with the GCVOFTF/ VCAT supervisor for all necessary court order preparation within 48 hours of the emergency declaration. All records of any emergency declaration and the obtaining of the court order shall be forwarded to and maintained by the GCVOFTF/VCAT.

In addition, the designated deputy must reasonably believe there are sufficient grounds consistent with the requirements of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 18B, 151, “Pen Registers and Trap and Trace Devices; Access to Stored Communications; Mobile Tracking Devices,” on which to obtain an order authorizing the installation and use of a pen register or trap and trace device prior to initiating the installation and use of such device in an immediate life-threatening situation.

A list of current approved designees must be submitted to the Sheriff or their designee for approval and acknowledged by the District Attorney. The list will stay on file with the HCSO and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Any changes to the list will be forwarded through both agencies’ chain of command in writing and with the proper documentation for approval.

A. Deputy/Task Force Officers (DEA / HIDTA, ATF, CIB): Request for Installation of a Pen Register

When obtaining a non-emergency, court ordered pen register/ping order, Deputy/Task Force Officers assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)/High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and CIB Investigations must adhere to the following procedure:

1. The deputy/task force officer’s name must be on the list maintained by the Deputy Commander/Lieutenant of the CIB or their designee and with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

2. Deputy/Task Force Officers must contact their first line supervisor to advise them of the pending request and justification to the request.

3. Deputy/Task Force Officers are responsible for drafting their own probable cause statement/affidavit in order to obtain the warrant/court order.        

NOTE: Verbiage in the court orders obtained for pen registers must    match the same legal standard and definition as is required to apply for a warrant for the incident and knowledge of intent to operate a pen    register/ping order

4. Once the affidavit for the warrant/court order has been finalized, the Deputy/Task Force Officer will subsequently present the request to a Special Prosecutor assigned to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

DO NOT utilize the District Attorney’s Office regular intake.

5. Once the warrant/order has been approved by the Special Prosecutor it must be signed by a State District Judge; not a magistrate.

6. Ensure any and all funding associated with the request will be funded by the respective federal law enforcement agency. 

NOTE: The Harris County Sheriff’s Office will not be responsible for any cost associated with the issuance of these specific requests.

7. Deputy/Task Force Officers will take the signed document to their respective federal agency and have the Telecommunications Specialist or other specifically designated representative execute the warrant/order.

a. Per the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, the person executing the order must include a caveat in the e-mail to the service provider stating he or she is executing the request on behalf of the “Task Force Officer” who is a Peace Officer in the state of Texas.

b. The return portion of the warrant/order must be returned to the Special Prosecutor’s Office where it will be maintained.

c. All telecommunication and internet court orders will be sealed as a matter of state and federal law.

8. The Deputy/Task Force Officer is responsible for the preservation of any and all information derived from the ping. The retrieved information/data will be submitted into the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Property Room, or federal law enforcement partner property vault and maintained as a part of the case file.

B. Request for Extension of a Pen Register

1. The case investigator/Task Force Officer will be responsible for notifying their Administrative Supervisor the CIB at least seven (7) working days prior to the expiration date of the current order of their intent to apply for an extension of the initial court order authorization.

Deputy/Task Force Officers assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) / High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and CIB Investigations will be responsible for notifying the Deputy Commander/Lieutenant of the CIB or their designee.

a. The case investigator or deputy/task force officer will prepare a communication addressed to their Administrative Supervisor, requesting approval to apply for an extension order to continue the operation of the pen register beyond the original sixty (60) day period.

b. The communication must cite the reason(s) for requesting the extension. Failure to notify the Administrative Supervisor will result in the pen register being terminated no later than the expiration of the original order.

2. The Administrative Supervisor will oversee the preparation of a communication to the prosecutor to obtain authorization for an extension order and will approve an application for an extension, working with the case investigator and prosecutor to develop the application request. As well, the prosecutor must approve the request for an extension application prior to presentation to a district court judge.

NOTE: Deputy/Task Force Officers assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) / High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and CIB Investigations will be responsible for the above preparations.

3. If approved, the case investigator/Task Force Officer will provide the Administrative Supervisor within the CIB  with a signed copy of the extension application and order prior to any extension being implemented,

a. The Administrative Supervisor will ensure that the extension order complies with all applicable laws and will maintain a clear and legible copy of the extension court order and any accompanying documents.

b. If the prosecutor’s office does not maintain an original signed copy, the case investigator/Task Force Officer will maintain a clear and legible copy of the court order extension and any other accompanying documents.

4. The Administrative Supervisor or their designee within the CIB will be responsible for serving the communications companies with the extension order and all initial procedures will apply.

V. Responsibilities- Supervisor

A. The GCVOFTF/VCAT

At a minimum, the designated Supervisory Sergeant will be properly trained and knowledgeable on the legal and technical issues regarding the following:

1. The legal issues regarding the application for a pen register order under Texas and federal law.

2. The legal issues regarding the issuance of a pen register court order under Texas and federal law.

3. The legal requirements regarding who may be designated within Texas and within the HCSO to operate pen registers in both emergency and non-emergency situations.

4. The procedures for applying to a District Attorney’s/prosecutor’s office for issuance of a pen register order.

5. The legal issues regarding the improper use of pen registers, including; possible suppression of evidence, possible revocation of authority from DPS to operate pen registers in standard emergency and non-emergency situations, possible civil liability, and, possible felony criminal sanctions that may be levied against employees for the illegal/improper operation of a pen register, ESN reader, or similar equipment.

6. The investigative use of communications data.

 7. The designated Supervisory Sergeant(s) will personally operate and/or will oversee the operation of any pen register that the HCSO conducts. This  includes reviewing all court orders to ensure that the order is valid and  ensuring that the policies outlined here are followed.

B. The GCVOFTF/VCAT – Officers

1. Prior to authorizing the non-emergency investigative use of pen registers by a Harris County deputy of any rank, the Sheriff will submit this policy to DPS for approval.

2.  After approval is obtained from DPS, the designated Supervisory Sergeant will create a list of select deputies of the department who are thoroughly trained in the investigative (non-emergency) use of pen register for the purpose of operations under this policy.

C. The GCVOFTF/VCAT- Case Investigator

1. The case investigator requesting the installation of a pen register will prepare a communication addressed to the Supervisory Sergeant within the CIB who is assigned to the GCVOFTF/VCAT that is approved by the case investigator’s supervisors.

The communication will contain the following information:

a. Target telephone(s) /device(s) number(s) and the servicing communications companies;

b. Case number;

c. Believed location of the telephones/devices in the cases of movable telephones/devices such as cellular telephones, or the specific addresses of the telephones/devices in the case of stationary telephones/devices such as landline telephones. If known, the listed subscribers (according to communications company records), or the targets believed to be using the telephones/devices;

d. A brief synopsis of the case and the reasons for requesting the pen register; and

e. A statement indicating whether a state or federal court order will be secured.

2. In regards to the target case, a copy of any subpoenaed and/or obtained communications’ companies records obtained up to the date and time of the request. If available, these records should list all telephones/devices subscribed to or installed on those telephones/devices (i.e., call forwarding, speed dialing, etc.), will be attached to the request.

3. The communication records should be forwarded to the Supervisory Sergeant within the CIB who is assigned to the GCVOFTF/VCAT for processing and will be maintained in a database. All requests for assistance will be documented, whether or not a pen register is actually applied for and/or operated. As well, a database of all pen registers that are applied for and/or operated will be maintained as well. Each installed pen register will be logged with a specific case number.

a. These records will be available for review by the Supervisory Sergeant with the CIB who is assigned to the GCVOFTF/VCAT through the chain of command to the Sheriff.

b. A Supervisory Sergeant within the CIB who is assigned to the GCVOFTF/VCAT, or designee, will personally approve any request for a pen register application.

4. The case investigator will also indicate in the request what division(s) will be responsible for the financial costs of the pen register(s) that is billed by the communications carrier(s). Investigators need to be aware that the financial costs of the pen register may not always be financed by the CIB. The case investigator will also indicate whether any other agency or unit has conducted electronic surveillance and/or communications records analysis on the case, and, will advise the Supervisory Sergeant within the CIB who is assigned to the GCVOFTF/VCAT at any point(s) in the future when any other agency or unit conducts, or plans to conduct, electronic surveillance and/or communications records analysis on the case.

5. If a federal court order is to be utilized, it will be the responsibility of the case investigator to secure the federal court order from the proper authority. The federal court order and any accompanying affidavit and/or application will also be approved by a Supervisory Sergeant with the CIB who is assigned to the GCVOFTF/VCAT. Note: The HCSO must be named in the order as authorized to install and operate the pen register in order for the HCSO to have legal authority to install and/or operate the pen register.

6. If a state court order is to be utilized, the Supervisory Sergeant or designee within the CIB who is assigned to the GCVOFTF/VCAT will prepare the required paperwork with the assistance of the requesting investigator(s), utilizing information provided by the case investigator(s). Prior to presentation to a district court judge with jurisdiction pursuant to Art. 18.B.302 Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Sec. 2, the affidavit, application, and court order will also be approved by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, or, the prosecutor in the appropriate jurisdiction.

7. The case investigator will be responsible for coordinating with the Supervisory Sergeant in the CIB who is assigned to the GCVOFTF/VCAT. For the proper date and time to have the order presented for issuance, to ensure that the communications company (ies) have time to complete any required preparation.

8. The case investigator will provide the Supervisory Sergeant within the CIB who is assigned to the GCVOFTF/VCAT with a signed copy of the affidavit, application, and order prior to beginning any installation. The Supervisory Sergeant will ensure that the order complies with all applicable laws and the Supervisory Sergeant or their designee will maintain a clear and legible copy of the court order and any accompanying documents. As well, the case investigator will maintain a clear and legible copy of the court order and any accompanying documents, including maintaining an original signed copy if the prosecutor’s office does not maintain an original signed copy.

9. The Supervisory Sergeant or their designee within the CIB who is assigned to the GCVOFTF/VCAT will be responsible for serving the order on the communications companies.

10. All legal questions and any required changes should be discussed and resolved by the Supervisory Sergeant and/or the affected District Attorney or United States Attorney.

D. Documented and Reported Expenditures

In compliance with state law (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 18.21 Sec. 2) the HCSO will maintain a yearly account of all expenditures for the purchase and maintenance of pen registers, ESN Readers, or similar equipment. The Sheriff of Harris County will submit the previous year’s total of these expenditures to the DPS in January of each year. The designated Supervisory Sergeant will prepare this yearly letter to the DPS for the Sheriff to forward to the DPS. This letter will be sent annually whether or not expenditures were made.

E. DPS Audit Authority

The HCSO is fully aware that the DPS is the state agency governing the standard emergency and non-emergency investigative use of pen registers. The HCSO is also aware that the DPS has sole authority to audit the HCSO’s use of pen registers in such cases. The HCSO intends to cooperate fully with any such audit that may be conducted and is also aware that the DPS may revoke the HCSO designation to operate pen registers in standard emergency and non-emergency, investigative situations if the HCSO is not in compliance with this policy and/or all applicable laws. The HCSO will work with DPS to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and the use of a department policy that is agreeable to DPS.

Note: Nothing in this policy is intended to prohibit any deputy from operating a pen register, ESN reader, or similar equipment in an emergency and non-emergency situation as defined by state law, provided that the deputy has met the requirements for operation of said equipment in an emergency and non-emergency situation. As well, nothing in this policy is meant to restrict a deputy from pursuing a federal investigation/pen register court order given the appropriate cooperation from a United States Attorney’s Office/Department of Justice, so long as the deputy is in compliance with all applicable laws. The policy is primarily meant to apply to compliance with the laws of the State of Texas.

Revision

This policy has been revised on the below listed dates:

January 25, 2014

August 6, 2015

January 3, 2019

May 21, 2021

June 9, 2022

Was this policy helpful?
How can we improve this policy?
Previous 613 – Asset Seizure, Forfeiture, and Disposition of Contraband Property
Next 617 – Citizens Recording Police Activity
Categories
Table of Contents