Indy Standard

A local burglary involving a high-tech signal jammer has prompted State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office to collaborate on finding legislative solutions.

During a meeting led by McNamara at the Statehouse, the Interim Study Committee on Corrections and Criminal Code discussed concerns over criminals using signal jamming equipment. This technology can disable Wi-Fi cameras, such as Ring doorbells, and other devices that use radio frequencies to avoid detection. Recently, Vanderburgh County sheriff deputies discovered a frequency jamming device in a burglary suspect's vehicle, which they believe interfered with their computer.

While it is a federal crime to use this technology, McNamara noted that Indiana lacks specific laws against intentionally interfering with communications.

"I'm very concerned about criminals' use of this technology and the threat it presents to public safety," McNamara said. "These jamming devices could mean a victim couldn't call 911 for help or access their security cameras. We want to close any loopholes in state law to ensure criminals will be held accountable. That's why I will continue working with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement to find legislative solutions to propose during the upcoming legislative session."

Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson testified before the study committee about the dangers of signal jamming devices and called for legislative action.

"Indiana has a number of laws that deal with the interference with reporting of a crime, but none that deal with actually interfering with the signals that are being broadcast by our cellular and Wi-Fi devices," Robinson said. "As a local law enforcement officer, it is frustrating to see someone use a device of this magnitude and the danger it poses and not have any teeth in Indiana law to allow us to take action to stop it or dissuade someone else from trying the same thing."

McNamara stated that Robinson's testimony provided valuable insights into the technology and law enforcement's concerns. She plans to draft legislation during the 2025 session, which will begin in January.