NCJ Number
201286
Date Published
2001
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This 1999 annual report on judicially authorized electronic interception of private communications -- a report to the Canadian Parliament that is mandated under section 195 of Canada's Criminal Code -- presents 1999 statistics on such authorizations, as well as a general assessment of the importance of electronic surveillance for the investigation, detection, prevention, and prosecution of offenses.
Abstract
The report first provides an overview of Part VI of Canada's Criminal Code, which specifies what law enforcement agents and the courts must do in order to obtain an authorization for electronic surveillance. This is followed by a presentation of data on authorizations provided by agents of Canada's Solicitor General as well as data contained in the operational reports of police forces that have requested that applications be made for authorized electronic interceptions of private communications. The data pertain to applications for authorizations and renewals; the period for which authorizations and renewals have been granted; offenses specified in authorizations; the classes of places and methods of interception; legal proceedings, the use of intercepted material, and disposition notifications; and prosecutions for unlawful interceptions and unlawful disclosure. The general assessment of the importance of the interception of private communications for police investigations indicates that such interceptions are a vital law-enforcement tool in the investigation of the criminal activities of organized crime groups, especially those involved in drug trafficking. Regarding the detection of criminal activity, it would remain largely undetected without the lawful interception of private communications that reveal criminal activity. Further, the use of electronic surveillance in investigations has led to numerous drug seizures, which have in turn reduced the amount of drugs available on the streets along with the crime related to drug abuse. Also, the use of electronic surveillance often provides strong evidence against defendants, increasing the likelihood of conviction. 8 tables, 5 figures, and appended lists of designated agents and peace officers who made application in accordance with Canada's criminal code