NYPD Battles Justice Department Over Surveillance
The New York City Police Department and the Justice Department are locked in a battle over the NYPD's ability to spy on terror suspects.
The issue is the legal process the city must go through to be allowed to use wiretaps on foreign terror suspects.
The NYPD is accusing the Justice Department of dragging its feet when it comes to approving eavesdropping warrants.
In a letter sent to Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says the delays are making New Yorkers less safe.
According to the Associated Press, Mukasey wrote back yesterday, saying the NYPD is asking for extraordinary surveillance powers that may violate the law.
The federal Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act requires investigators to obtain a warrant from a secret court in Washington to eavesdrop on suspected terrorists inside the country.