WHO MAY APPLY
Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, Title 10, Subsection 411, Registration of intercepting devices; serial number, states that Law enforcement agencies in the State shall register with the Department of State Police all electronic, mechanical or other devices whose design renders them primarily useful for the purpose of the surreptitious interception of:
1. Wire;
2. Oral; or
3. Electronic communications.
The devices must be owned by them (the law enforcement agency), or possessed by or in the control of the agency, their employees or agents.
Registration should be completed within ten days from the date on which the device(s) came into the possession or control of the agency, their employees or agents.
HOW TO APPLY
Using the online registration available below, owners, supervisors, or commanders must register the equipment prior to being placed in service and no later than 10 days from when possession began. Please answer all questions accurately to ensure a seamless process. Allow 14 days for processing.
COST TO APPLY
There is no cost to the State or a local subdivision of the State to participate in this program.
DOCUMENTATION OF AUTHORITY
Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, Title 10, Subsection 411, Registration of intercepting devices; provides guidance concerning the requirements of this program.
APPLICATION PROCESSING
Electronic processing - Upon acceptance, the registrant will receive confirmation by way of email to the address provided.
HISTORY OF PROVISION
In 1977, The Maryland General Assembly passed, and the Governor of Maryland signed into law, the Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Act of 1977.
Maryland’s Wiretap Act is closely modeled on Title III, of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, passed by the United States Congress in 1968. In proscribing the possession, manufacture, assembly and sale of certain electronic surveillance devices, the Wiretap Act employs virtually the same definition as the federal statute, aside from the commercial or mail nexus constitutionally required for the federal regulation.
The Maryland State Police has collected, maintained and registered electronic, mechanical and other devices whose design renders them primarily useful for the purpose of surreptitious interception since 1977.
STATUTE
Annotated Code of Maryland, Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, Title 10, Subsection 411, Registration of intercepting devices
The complete Maryland Code can be accessed by clicking here. This valuable resource allows interested parties to view the applicable laws pertaining to licenses, certifications and commissions sought. All applicants should familiarize themselves with the statutes associated with the product sought.
USE OF AGENCY ORI NUMBERS TO REGISTER WIRETAPPING/EVESDROPPING EQUIPMENT IS NO LONGER NECESSARY FOR NEW USERS. THE MARYLAND STATE POLICE WILL ASSIGN NEW USER NAMES AND PASSWORDS TO THOSE DEPARTMENTS SEEKING TO REGISTER THEIR EQUIPMENT FROM THIS POINT FORWARD. THE NEW INFORMATION SUPPLIED DURING THIS TRANSITION WILL BE PERMANENT.
AGENCIES WHO HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED EQUIPMENT WILL BE RECEIVING THE NEW USER NAMES AND PASSWORDS FROM THE MARYLAND STATE POLICE AS THEY ARE GENERATED. USE OF THE ORI NUMBERS WILL BE DISCONTINUED, AND THE ACCOUNTS TRANSITIONED FOR EXISTING USERS AS THEY RECEIVE THE NEW INFORMATION.
REGISTRATION WILL BE BY AGENCY AND NOT BUREAU, DIVISION, SECTION, UNIT, TASK FORCE, SQUAD OR TEAM. THE AGENCY OWNER WILL BE RECOGNIZED AS THE REGISTRANT. ONE CONTACT PER AGENCY WILL BE RECOGNIZED FOR REGISTRATION PURPOSES.
NEW USERS, AND THOSE EXISTING USERS WHO CAN NO LONGER ACCESS THEIR ACCOUNT BY WAY OF THE ORI NUMBER, CONTACT MS. CAROL HERRON AT CHERRON@MDSP.ORG.