Electronic Surveillance

Course Description - This 8-hour course is for peace officers and qualified individuals assigned to intercept and record wire communications ("wiretaps"). This class covers the legal basis for California wiretap operations as well as the practical and tactical aspects of operating and monitoring a wiretap. Penal Code Section 629.94 requires successful completion of this course before seeking authorization for, or participating in, wiretap operations.

Who Should Attend - Qualified individuals assigned to investigate narcotics, murder, solicitation to commit murder, gangs, bombing of public or private property, aggravated kidnapping, or conspiracy to commit any of those crimes, and who will be involved in a court-authorized state wiretap.

Course Objectives - Upon completion of this course and a written examination, students are certified by the Office of the Attorney General of the State of California to participate in wire intercept operations.

Course Outline

  • General Legal Issues
  • Electronic Surveillance
  • Pen Registers
  • Minimization Requirements
  • Preparing the Application
  • Obtaining the Order
  • Audio Minimization Exercise
  • Wire Room Procedures
  • Written Examination

Additional Information - For further information contact the ATC at (916) 464-1200, and ask for the Program Training Officer or Secretary for this course.