The police checked the text messages seven years ago.

Legal analysis: generally within 6 months. The public security bureau can find short messages, but it can't just check them. People's Republic of China (PRC) citizens' freedom and privacy of communication are protected by law.

Legal basis: People's Police Law of the People's Republic of China.

Article 13 The people's police of public security organs may have priority in taking public transport because of the urgent need of performing official duties, and they may have priority in passing when they present corresponding certificates and encounter traffic jams. When necessary, the public security organ may give priority to the use of vehicles, communication tools, venues and buildings of organs, organizations, enterprises, institutions and individuals in accordance with the relevant provisions of the state, and shall return them in time and pay appropriate fees after use; If losses are caused, compensation shall be made.

Article 14 The people's police of public security organs may take protective and restrictive measures against mental patients who seriously endanger public security or the personal safety of others. If it is necessary to send it to a designated unit or place for guardianship, it shall be reported to the public security organ of the people's government at or above the county level for approval, and its guardian shall be notified in time.

Article 15 The public security organs of the people's governments at or above the county level may, in order to prevent and stop acts that seriously endanger public order, restrict people and vehicles from passing or staying in a certain area and time, and may implement traffic control when necessary. The people's police of public security organs may take corresponding traffic control measures in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

Article 16 The public security organ may take technical reconnaissance measures according to the relevant provisions of the state and through strict examination and approval procedures.

Seventeenth public security organs of the people's governments at or above the county level may, with the approval of the public security organs at higher levels and the people's governments at the same level, implement on-site control over emergencies that seriously endanger public order.