Reading Room Document

Permissible scope of disclosure of radio communications monitored by Commission employees.

The document is a response to a letter from the Honorable Richard E. Wiley regarding the permissible scope of disclosure of radio communications monitored by Commission employees. The conclusion reached is that Federal Communications Commission personnel may divulge the contents of broadcasts they monitor to state and local law enforcement officials, as long as it relates to violations of the Communications Act. The document also addresses the use of direction finding techniques and the authority of local officials to make arrests for observed violations of the Communications Act. The questions presented for review include whether Commission employees can monitor and disclose radio transmissions, and whether local officials have the authority to make arrests for observed violations of the Communications Act.

July 17, 1974