The National Archives reported on May 6 that law enforcement officials in Maricopa County, Arizona, are refusing to turn over electronic devices subpoenaed by the Arizona Legislature this week, claiming that compliance with the Legislature’s lawful order would pose an unspecified “security risk” to “law enforcement data.”
A letter signed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) and addressed to former Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett vigorously defended the officials’ decision not to turn over the Internet router, but did not detail the alleged risks that would result from complying with the subpoena.
The letter states, “When the county delivered the subpoenaed materials into the custody of the Senate on Thursday, April 22, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office was informed that delivery of the router or the router’s ‘virtual image’ would pose a significant security risk to law enforcement data used by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, as well as numerous federal agencies that pose a significant security risk. If criminals or others were to gain access to this data, it could compromise law enforcement efforts in Maricopa County, Arizona and the Commonwealth, putting the lives of law enforcement officers at risk.”
The letter continues, “Over the past week, we have tried to find a solution that would allow the county to provide a virtual image of the router while avoiding risk. However, we have been unable to find such a solution.”
Recent Comments