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Annual Police Wiretap Report Released

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts released an annual report on government wiretapping. The report shows that police made 1,190 applications for wiretaps in 2000. None of the applications were denied. In 22 cases, police encountered subjects who were using encryption to protect communications. In all 22 cases, police were able to obtain the plain text of the communication despite the encryption measures.

Applications for Orders Authorizing or Approving the Interception of Wire, Oral, or Electronic Communications, Wiretap Report, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Fewer, Briefer Wiretaps More Successful in Fighting Crime in 2000, Press Release, Administrative Offices of the U.S. Courts, April 30, 2001.