The employee newsletter of
Electronic Intelligence and Emergency Intercept Operators (EIEIO)
“Let Freedom ring! … Our job starts when somebody answers.” ®
Need to Know
What if a caller has a regular name but speaks with a funny accent?
What do you do if you hear the daughter of one of your coworkers is planning to elope?
You and other surveillance staff at our phone banks face tough questions like these every day. Like all questions, there is a right answer and a wrong one. Here are some tips to help you come down on the right side of the law, whatever it may happen to be at the time.
Q: Can I eavesdrop on my own conversations? Do I need special authorization? Is there a charge?
A: Yes. No. And sometimes. You might want to tap your own communications to reassure yourself that you’re staying within guidelines. That’s fine. No special forms are needed, as long as no other assignments take priority.
By the way, if you’ve worked for EIEIO for over two years, there’s good news. Employees in good standing are entitled to one private tap per year free of charge. Some team members save up for a special occasion, like a change of marital status or a high school reunion. Whatever the reason, you get one “freebie.” Enjoy!
Tips for Taps
The thing that distinguishes a professional from a snoop is standards! Etiquette and technique are important in handling calls. Here are some tips:
- Try to tap every call in three rings or less.
- If you believe a caller may be naked, summon your supervisor at once.
- Ring tones that sound “foreign” or “extremist” signal a call requiring special handling.
- If you find your stack of pre-approved warrants is running low, you should temporarily restrict your surveillance to California, New York City, and Washington, DC. (Material from the latter makes great “chips” during appropriations season.)
Don’t forget
This year’s annual Family Bug Out is happening soon. Bring your favorite “covert dish.” Listen for further information. To be held at the usual undisclosed location.
Image: couleur at Pixabay
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