New York Police Negotiating to Deploy AI Powered Cell Tracking System

October 24, 2026 - 20:38

New York City police officials are in talks to adopt a new artificial intelligence driven surveillance platform that could significantly expand the department's ability to locate and track cell phones. The system, called FalcoNet, is a mobile cell-site simulator designed to be mounted on police vehicles or drones, and according to officials familiar with the proposal, it is compact enough to be carried in a backpack.

The technology works by mimicking a legitimate cell tower, prompting nearby phones to connect to it and thereby revealing their approximate locations. Department representatives say the tool would give investigators a faster and more precise way to find suspects and missing persons, particularly in urgent situations where time is critical.

The proposal has already drawn attention from privacy advocates, who argue that cell-site simulators can sweep up data from bystanders' devices along with those of intended targets. Similar tools used by other law enforcement agencies have faced legal challenges over warrant requirements and the handling of incidental data collected during operations. Officials have not yet disclosed the cost of the system, the timeline for a possible rollout, or what safeguards would govern its use. The negotiations remain ongoing, and no final agreement has been announced.