State Laws

Title III does not preempt the authority of the states to legislate concerning the interception of communications. The protection of privacy is as much a matter for local concern as protection of persons and property. Accordingly, the efforts of federal law enforcement personnel should supplement, not supplant, local action.

United States Attorneys should review the applicable statutes in their states. When there is no statute or when the existing statutes are inadequate, United States Attorneys should work through their federal-state law enforcement committees to obtain the enactment of appropriate legislation. When suitable state legislation exists but is not sufficiently used by local prosecutors, United States Attorneys should make efforts to stimulate local enforcement.