Don't believe what the cops did in them old movies...

 

How do you trace a phone call? According to TV shows and films, you just have to keep someone talking long enough for a detective to pinpoint his location. While this overused trope can add some tension when paired with a timer ever-so-slowly ticking down, it doesn't really match reality.

Eventually, computerization took hold in the telecommunications sector in the 80's. Gradually, it took over tasks, like routing calls, that were previously performed by human or mechanical operators. This trend was a watershed moment. From a consumer perspective, it allowed for new conveniences, like caller ID and call waiting.

From a law enforcement perspective, it simplified investigations. Calls no longer had to be traced manually across switches. Nor did law enforcement have to monitor calls in real time---they could simply look at the metadata generated by calls.  It’s easier than ever for law enforcement to trace ordinary phone calls. You can thank the computerization of the phone system for that.

Of course, there are other ways criminals can communicate and evade the thin blue line, such as with VPNs and encrypted voice apps. Those cases won’t be as easily solved - not even by waiting a few minutes to trace the call.