Colombo, Oct. 27 (Daily Mirror) - Police have the authority to take mobile phones into custody and examine their contents during criminal investigations, subject to legal procedures and court orders, Police Spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler said.
Addressing the question of whether police can examine a citizen’s mobile phone, ASP Wootler said such action must be based on information relevant to an investigation and carried out in accordance with the law.
He explained that when information relating to a mobile phone becomes relevant to an investigation, police may take the device into custody and produce it before a court as an exhibit. The contents of the phone may subsequently be examined to obtain evidence required for the investigation.
“In such instances, we often require expert analysis or an examination of the device’s contents. Therefore, it is necessary for us to act in accordance with court orders,” he said.
ASP Wootler said police conduct such examinations under the provisions of the Police Ordinance and the Code of Criminal Procedure, particularly when investigating serious offences.
He pointed out that mobile phones are sometimes used in connection with drug trafficking, the illegal circulation of firearms and other serious crimes. Therefore, examining relevant devices can help investigators gather evidence and assist in the administration of justice.
He stressed that the primary objective of such investigations was to maintain public peace and prevent criminal activities.
However, ASP Wootler clarified that police did not consider it necessary to examine the mobile phones of every citizen in the country.
“In principle, we operate based on court orders. Nevertheless, we must take the necessary measures, in accordance with the Police Ordinance and the Code of Criminal Procedure, to prevent offences,” he said.
He added that police must take appropriate action to prevent serious crimes while ensuring that investigations are conducted within the framework of the law.