Only One Wiretap Application Rejected In Last Four Years
In 2002, there were 1,359 wiretap applications made to state and federal judges in non-terrorism cases . All but one were approved. In fact, it was the only wiretap application rejected in the last four years.
Over the past 11 years, out of over 13,000 wiretap applications, only four were rejected.
An average of 403 conversations are intercepted on each wiretap. Wiretaps are good for 30 days, after which 30 day extensions can be granted. The longest running federal wiretap ran one year, having been extended 11 times. One New York state wiretap ran over two years. 77% of the taps were for cell phones and pagers.
Not surprisingly, Ashcroft had a better year with his secret FISA Court wiretap applications. All 1,228 applications were granted.
| < Trial Begins in Miami Case of Alleged Columbian Druglord | Ashcroft Muzzles His Prosecutors > |