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Session: State Capitol, Room 118 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3777 Fax: (907) 465-2819 Send E-Mail Interim: 10928 Eagle River Rd, Suite 141 Eagle River, AK 99577 Phone: (907) 694-8944 Fax: (907) 694-8945 |
Permits Electronic Surveillance for Protection
For Immediate Release: May 7, 1999
Contact: Representative Pete Kott at (907) 465-3777.
Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Friday unanimously passed House Bill 135, which provides additional protection for undercover police officers.
House Bill 135 would allow undercover officers to wear a transmitting device or "wire" without first obtaining a warrant and would permit backup officers to monitor their conversations. A court has ruled that, as the law now reads, officers cannot use a wire without a warrant. They must rely on hand signals or other visual communications.
"House Bill 135 is aimed at decreasing the risk for undercover officers," said Representative Pete Kott (R-Eagle River). "It would allow the monitoring of conversations without a warrant. These conversations could not be recorded and could not be used as evidence at trial. In addition, the officer monitoring the conversation would not be allowed to testify at trial.
"This measure is about the safety of police officers," Kott said. "The difference of a few precious seconds in response time that this type of monitoring can provide could mean the difference between life and death for an undercover officer."
House Bill 135 now moves to the Senate.
Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the
Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Pete Kott, 124 K