Hi-tech policing during the riots

In an age where the police have powers to force telecommunications companies to hand over data and install interception equipment in their networks… where we spend vast amounts of money maintaining listening posts… on an operation where apparently even MI5 were involved…

Just how did the police crack the various BlackBerry Messenger groups used to coordinate the riots?

According to The Times: (£)

Scotland Yard said yesterday that it had picked up conversations on the BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) system after confiscating phones from arrested troublemakers. Police were then able to access the instant messaging network and respond to the more credible threats being circulated

Modern policing at it’s best. The best encryption available isn’t going to help if you have your collar felt by the old bill and they simply read what’s on your phone!