content: That is why even when you have no service active (no plan with anyone) on a phone, 911 still works.  It is built into the phone to work even without a sim card installed.  The most important information a cop needs for his Sergeant is your phone number. If you are a person they want out of the jurisdiction (jailed) and your property theirs.  "Our Confidential Informant witnessed narcotics trafficking here, here and here.  Which is corroborated by the suspects cell phone pinging towers here, here and here.  Parallel construction is easy when you have warrantless tracking and informants that cannot be cross examined.  When I need a cell phone, I will borrow one.