NCJ Number
79793
Journal
Algemeen Politiebland Volume: 128 Issue: 25 Dated: (December 8, 1979) Pages: 583-589
Date Published
1979
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The growing importance of sophisticated police information systems and the need to protect private citizens' rights from violations through police information systems are discussed.
Abstract
It is essential that both the privacy of individuals and the professional confidentiality of police officers be protected from eavesdropping on police reports by third parties. Use of scanners by fugitives to listen to police reports may thwart pursuit activities. The integrity of police reports can be protected through technical means such as scramblers and cryptophones, through special use procedures such as passwords, and through laws against eavesdropping practices. The existing criminal code prohibits eavesdropping on a private conversation using technical devices. Furthermore, the law prohibits eavesdropping on or recording of any telephone conversation conducted for the common good. It is, however, unclear whether scanners and mobile telephones can be interpreted as telephone devices. Moreover, enforcing prohibitions on eavesdropping, whether by fugitives or curious thrill-seekers, is virtually impossible. None of the methods for protecting confidentiality of police reports provides any meaningful guarantee for protection of the individual citizens' private sphere. The need for reform of existing protection laws is stressed. Notes are supplied.