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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 Road, Suite 141 Eagle River, AK 99577 Phone: (907) 694-8944 Fax: (907) 694-8945 |
Eavesdropping and Recording Devices by Peace Officers
An act relating to use of eavesdropping and recording devices by peace officers
The initial contact in an undercover police investigation often does not qualify for a warrant to record the conversation for evidentiary purposes. Peace officers now use hand signals or other visual communications to call in the backup officers when they believe their safety is at risk. Often the conversations are conducted out of sight of the backup officers and the, safety of the undercover officer is compromised.
It is the intent of HB 135 to allow undercover operations by the backup officer(s) for safety reasons, and protect the rights of the suspect. HB 135 would allow monitoring of the conversation with the following restrictions.
- The conversation must occur during an investigation or an arrest.
- It must be for the safety of the officer.
- The conversation can not be recorded.
- The backup officer(s) may not testify in a criminal proceeding involving a party to the oral communication about the contents of the conversation that was monitored.
HB 135 will improve peace officer safety and protect the rights of potential suspects. I urge your support for this legislation.