| Call Records - Missing Information By George Molczan |
At times even with a trap on a target line, the originating telephone number will not
appear in a call record. In this scenario the call record may have either all zeros or ones
in the originating number field. This occurs when the service provider that provided the
call record can help track the call [backwards] through the telecom network. They do
this by identifying the carrier associated with the originating trunk group. The originating
trunk group is the path on which the call traveled to the terminating switch. Knowing the
identity of the carrier at the far end of the originating trunk group provides the next step
in an investigation. At this point it may mean another subpoena to that service provider
requesting call records based on the date, time and terminating number. If these call
records do not show the originating number, the process is repeated working the call
[back] to yet another service provider based on which service provider is at the far end
of the originating trunk group.
Case Example: Bomb Threat – tracking the caller
A bomb threat came into a local office building. The recipient of the threat noted the
date and time and notified security. The police served a subpoena on the local
telephone company providing service to the building. The telephone company located
the call record matching the date and time of the call, however it did not include the
originating telephone number. It did, however show which long-distance carrier the call
came from. With this information the police served a second subpoena on the long-
distance provider, who was able to provide the originating telephone number for the call.
Having an understanding of where and why telephone companies generate call records
equips the investigator with a starting point in the search for evidence. Knowing what
information is in a call record and how to use it enables law enforcement personnel to
track calls back to their origination.
appear in a call record. In this scenario the call record may have either all zeros or ones
in the originating number field. This occurs when the service provider that provided the
call record can help track the call [backwards] through the telecom network. They do
this by identifying the carrier associated with the originating trunk group. The originating
trunk group is the path on which the call traveled to the terminating switch. Knowing the
identity of the carrier at the far end of the originating trunk group provides the next step
in an investigation. At this point it may mean another subpoena to that service provider
requesting call records based on the date, time and terminating number. If these call
records do not show the originating number, the process is repeated working the call
[back] to yet another service provider based on which service provider is at the far end
of the originating trunk group.
Case Example: Bomb Threat – tracking the caller
A bomb threat came into a local office building. The recipient of the threat noted the
date and time and notified security. The police served a subpoena on the local
telephone company providing service to the building. The telephone company located
the call record matching the date and time of the call, however it did not include the
originating telephone number. It did, however show which long-distance carrier the call
came from. With this information the police served a second subpoena on the long-
distance provider, who was able to provide the originating telephone number for the call.
Having an understanding of where and why telephone companies generate call records
equips the investigator with a starting point in the search for evidence. Knowing what
information is in a call record and how to use it enables law enforcement personnel to
track calls back to their origination.
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Copyright © 2005 George Molczan, all right reserved.
The information provided herein should not be considered as legal advice. The reader is advised
to seek legal counsel regarding use and/or application of call records or any other information
provided herein.
The information provided herein should not be considered as legal advice. The reader is advised
to seek legal counsel regarding use and/or application of call records or any other information
provided herein.
Last updated 11-15-05