[Boatanchors] Re: Boatanchors Digest, Vol 43, Issue 29

[BSugarberg]

Hello Michael,

Found on the 'Net:

"FCC field agents now train at the (Department of Homeland Security) Federal
Law Enforcement Training Center."

 From the FCC website, regarding the Enforcement Bureau:
"Major areas of enforcement that are handled by the Enforcement Bureau are:
(3) public safety/homeland security enforcement."

And many references like the following:

KBLT's resurgence was short-lived. On the morning of October 30, (1998), the
station's signal went out. Jarrett went to check on the transmitter, only to
be met in the building's stairwell by a gentleman flashing an FCC badge. "He
said to me, 'You've got two options. We can confiscate the equipment and
give you a receipt for it, or you can give us your name and we'll fine you
$11,000.'"
--------------

73, Bruce WA8TNC
=======================
Michael Crestohl wrote:
> This sounds like a wonderful legend and I hate to debunk it but to the 
> best of my understanding it is not illegal in the US to possess radio 
> transmitting equipment.  It is illegal however to use same to transmit 
> on frequencies for which one is not licensed.
> 
> Additionally, as a law enforcement badge collector for many years I have 
> never seen any badges that say "FCC" on them.  I would love to have one 
> for my collection and have asked friends who are into obsolete Federal 
> badges to let me know if they run into one.
> 
> It is my understanding that the FCC inspectors are not sworn law 
> enforcement officers and are not authorized to carry firearm or make 
> arrests.  I believe they are accompanied by members of the U.S. 
> Marshall's Service on the occasions that such measures are required.
> 
> Anyone know any different?
> 
> 73,
> 
> Michael