Report on Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Pursuant to Sec. 10-409(C) of the Courts Article

• NCJ Number: 176874
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 7 pages
• Corporate Author: Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts
• Sale Source: Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report discusses electronic surveillance and wiretapping in Maryland during 1998 and notes that the use of electronic surveillance has remained relatively constant over the last 2 years, increasing from 27 requests during 1997 to 28 requests during 1998.

Abstract

Three subdivisions requested the use of electronic surveillance in 1997; six subdivisions requested its use in 1998. The length of time authorized for an initial request ranged from a low of 13 days to a high of 30 days. One extension was granted. The longest period granted for a single wiretap was 60 days, including extensions. More than 64 percent of the surveillances authorized during 1998 involved investigations related to drug law offenses. Murders and homicide offenses accounted for 10.7 percent of the cases; bribery and gambling violations each accounted for 7.2 percent. The surveillances intercepted 26,964 communications, including 2,429 of an incriminating nature. Ninety-six arrests have been made to date; several investigations are still pending. The subdivisions spent $514,857 for electronic surveillance. Tables