2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES › Chapter 57 - Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance › Section 5712.1 - Target-specific orders

§ 5712.1. Target-specific orders.
(a) Target-specific wiretaps.--
The requirements of sections 5712(a)(3) (relating to issuance of order and effect) and 5709(3)(iv) and (v) (relating to application for order) shall not apply if:
(1) In the case of an application with respect to the interception of an oral communication, all of the following apply:
(i) The application contains a full and complete statement as to why specification is not practical and identifies the person committing the offense and whose communications are to be intercepted.
(ii) The judge finds the specification is not practical.
(2) In the case of an application with respect to a wire or electronic communication, all of the following apply:
(i) The application identifies the person believed to be committing the offense and whose communications are to be intercepted and the applicant makes a showing that there is probable cause to believe that the person's actions could have the effect of thwarting interception by changing facilities or devices.
(ii) The judge finds that the purpose has been adequately shown.
(b) Supplementary orders.--
Following the issuance of a target-specific wiretap order, the judge shall sign supplementary orders upon request and in a timely manner, authorizing the investigative or law enforcement officers or agency to intercept additional communications devices or facilities upon a showing of reasonable suspicion that all of the following apply:
(1) The target of the original order has in fact changed communications devices or facilities or is presently using additional communications devices, communications facilities or places.
(2) The target of the original order is likely to use the specified communications device or facility for criminal purposes similar to or related to those specified in the original order.
(c) Application for supplementary orders.--
An application for a supplementary order shall contain all of the following:
(1) The identity of the investigative or law enforcement officers or agency to whom the authority to intercept wire, electronic or oral communications is given and the name and official identity of the person who made the application.
(2) The identity of or a particular description of the person, if known, whose communications are to be intercepted.
(3) The period of time during which the interception is authorized, including a statement as to whether or not the interception shall automatically terminate when the described communication has been first obtained.
(4) A showing of reasonable suspicion that the target of the original order has in fact changed communications devices or facilities.
(5) A showing of reasonable suspicion that the target of the original order is likely to use the additional facility or device or place for criminal purposes similar to or related to those specified in the original order.
(d) Time limits.--
A supplementary order shall not act as an extension of the time limit identified in section 5712(b).
(e) Responsibility.--
The order shall require the Attorney General or the district attorney, or their designees, to be responsible for the supervision of the interception.
(f) Progress reports.--
If an order authorizing an interception is entered, the order may require reports to be made to the judge who issued the order showing what progress has been made toward achievement of the authorized objective and the need for continued interception. The reports shall be made at intervals as the judge may require.
(g) Final report.--
If an interception is authorized under this section, a complete written list of names of participants and evidence of offenses discovered, including those not stated in the application for order, shall be filed with the court as soon as practical after the authorized interception is terminated.
(h) Assistance.--
(1) An order authorizing the interception of a wire, electronic or oral communication shall, upon request of the applicant, direct that a provider of communication service furnish the applicant with all information, facilities and technical assistance necessary to accomplish the interception unobtrusively and with a minimum of interference with the services that the service provider is affording the person whose communications are to be intercepted.
(2) The obligation of a provider of communication service under an order may include installation of a pen register or trap and trace device and disclosure of a record or other information otherwise available under section 5743 (relating to requirements for governmental access), including conducting an in-progress trace during an interception, if the obligation of a provider of communications service is technologically feasible.
(3) A provider of communication service furnishing facilities or technical assistance shall be compensated by the applicant for reasonable expenses incurred in providing the facilities or assistance.
(4) A service provider shall be immune from civil and criminal liability for any assistance rendered to an applicant under this section.
(i) Entry by law enforcement officers.--
An order authorizing the interception of a wire, electronic or oral communication shall, if requested, authorize the entry of premises or facilities specified under subsection (c)(3) or premises necessary to obtain access to the premises or facilities specified under subsection (c)(3) by law enforcement officers specified under subsection (c)(1) as often as necessary solely for the purposes of installing, maintaining or removing an electronic, mechanical or other device, if all of the following apply:
(1) The entry is reasonably necessary to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter.
(2) The judge who issues the order is notified of the time and method of each entry prior to entry within 48 hours of entry.
(Oct. 25, 2012, P.L.1634, No.202, eff. 60 days)
2012 Amendment.
Act 202 added section 5712.1.