Riverside County ranks #1 in state for wiretapping phones

It’s a dubious distinction for Riverside County. In recent years the county has ranked number one, out of all counties in California, for wiretapping phone conversations of people suspected of being involved in criminal activity.

In fact, the number of wiretap requests approved in Riverside County far outpaces second ranked Los Angeles County, which has a significantly larger population.

An attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation recently commented on the wiretaps in Riverside County for 2014, which totaled 624. “We are seeing a lack of transparency, accountability and oversight when it comes to how wiretaps are ordered and carried out,” said EFF attorney Jennifer Lynch.

Why the reason for the relatively high number of wiretaps in Riverside County?

The previous District Attorney Paul Zellerbach and current DA Mike Hestrin both point to a common criminal element in Riverside County when talking about the reason behind the relatively high number of requests for wiretaps by law enforcement officials.

Tonight on CBS Local 2 News at 11, Tom Tucker reports on why law enforcement officers are requesting wiretaps, and reports on what District Attorney Mike Hestrin says he is doing as part of his effort to curtail the practice.

speaks about high number of wiretap requests.