Beyond the Wire: An Analysis of Non-Telephonic Conversations Under Title III
Electronic surveillance has become, arguably, the greatest weapon on the war against organized crime. Though organized crime is not limited only to the traditional conception of “the mob,” the use of wiretaps and electronic bugs against the Mafia in New York is a terrific example of how such electronic surveillance can be used to increase both the safety and efficiency of law enforcement. Such tactics were at the heart of the Mafia Commission Trial of the mid-1980s that sent most of the Mafia leadership to prison. Evidence was gathered from bugs planted in the homes, cars, and meeting places of Paul Castellano, Anthony “Fat Tony” Salerno, Gennaro “Jerry Lang” Langella, and Anthony “Tony Ducks” Corallo (so named for his habit of ducking prosecutions). These electronic surveillance techniques made their capture quicker and easier, and less risky, than if traditional methods had been used. The non-technological strategy of infiltration can supply a wealth of information but is difficult and dangerous. Even Joe Pistone, the famed Donnie Brasco, had his investigation supplemented by wire-taps. Mob informants can be tremendously helpful, but first they must be flipped. Electronic surveillance can aid in this area as well. For example, Henry Hill cooperated with the government after hearing a recording where he was marked for execution. Wiretaps have also provided key evidence against drug rings and motorcycle gangs such as the Bandidos.
