NYPD Negotiates Contract for Mobile Surveillance Tech
The city is reviewing public comments on a $750,500 deal for cell-site simulator equipment.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Telecommunications
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The NYPD is currently negotiating a three-year, $750,500 contract for the FalcoNet mobile surveillance system. City officials are reviewing public feedback before deciding whether to approve the use of the device, which can track unique cell phone identifiers.
Why it matters
The department intends to use this equipment to locate suspects, missing persons, and suicidal individuals. Officials noted that the NYPD requires warrants for use unless exigent circumstances exist, in which case warrants must be obtained within 48 hours.
The FalcoNet system operates as a cell-site simulator that captures unique device identifiers via a closed, stand-alone network. Only four members of the NYPD Technical Assistance Response Unit are currently authorized to operate the equipment.
The players
NYPD
The New York City Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the city.
Cognyte
Cognyte is an Israeli technology firm that manufactures surveillance and intelligence software.
The details
The FalcoNet device is highly portable and can be mounted on vehicles or drones, or carried in a backpack. The NYPD has specified that the technology will not be used to listen to phone calls or collect text message content.
Timeline
February 9: A girl was rescued using tracking technology.
September 2026: The NYPD began a review of unauthorized Flock Safety database access.
October 24, 2026: Information regarding the pending Cognyte contract was published.
The Tech Race
The city's review of the FalcoNet contract follows a period of internal scrutiny regarding the NYPD's previous unauthorized access to the Flock Safety database. This proposal marks a shift toward formalizing surveillance technology contracts within the department.
Residents should note that the technology operates on a closed network and is restricted to specific authorized personnel for emergency tracking purposes. The department has committed to strict warrant requirements for any utilization of the cell-site simulators.
The takeaway
The proposed contract includes a 48-hour window for obtaining warrants if the system is used in exigent circumstances. Transparency regarding these surveillance tools remains a primary focus as the city reviews public feedback.
Further reading
Learn more about the infrastructure behind local communication and monitoring at New York City Telecommunications.
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Do you trust your local police to use AI-driven phone tracking technology only when necessary?
