NATIONAL WIRE TAP COMMISSION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-01794R000100100005-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 17, 2001
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: January 10, 1975
• Content Type: MFR

Approved For Relea~ 2002/05/20: CIA-RDP80-017948000100005-5
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: National Wire Tap Commission
10 January 1975
1. Recently a local firm who is a Procurement Division,
OL, supplier of surveillance equipment advised that it had
been called by a Mr. Michael Herschman, who had identified
himself as being with the National Wire Tap Commission.
According to this individual, Herschman said that the Com-
mission would be requesting his sales data, implying that
if the requested data was not forthcoming, it would be
subpoenaed.
2. The Commission's complete title is the National
Commission for the Review of Federal and State Laws Relating
to Wire Tapping and Electronic Surveillance. It was established
by the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968
(18 U.S.C.A. 2510 Note). In terms of the Act, it has been
charged with the responsibility for making a comprehensive
study and review of the Act's provisions relating to wire
tapping and electronic surveillance. It has 15 members -
4 from the Senate, 4 from the House, and 7 appointed by the
President from private life. Its offices are at 1817 Connecticut
Avenue, N.W., Telephone Number 382-6782. A call to that number
confirmed the existence of a Michael Herschman. According to
the Office of Legislative Counsel, the Commission's Chairman
is William H. Erickson, and the Staff Director is Kenneth Hodson,
a retired Air Force JAG general.
3. Originally the Commission did not have compulsory
process authority. Upon the enactment of the Omnibus Crime
Control Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-644), in addition to being
authorized to hold hearings and administer oaths, it was
granted the power to compel testimony and the production of
"such books, records and documents as the
Commission may deem adviseable."
4. While the Commission's existence was to terminate
o
J
n
une 17, 1975, P.L. 93-609 extended its li,f~ n 1
January 19. 1977_
cc: OGC
C/PD/OL
ssociate G~ ral Counsel
STATINTL
C SS/OL
roved For Release 2002/05/20: CIA-RDP80-017948000100100005-5