Do the local police have new powers under the PATRIOT Act?
State and local law enforcement agencies cannot get FISA search warrants or NSLs for library records. They can, however, participate in joint terrorism task forces with federal agents, and, under the ECPA, apply for extended wiretapping authority, including the monitoring of electronic communication and Internet usage. This authority allows them to install monitoring devices on publicly accessible equipment, including library computers. The gag order imposed by the ECPA still applies under these circumstances.
