FCC warrantless searches?
According to this story, an FCC agent investigating a possible pirate radio station in Boulder, Colorado this month, posted a note quoting FCC policy at the residence suspected of hosting an unlicensed transmitter. The statement apparently said, “Whether you operate an amateur station or any other radio device, your authorization from the Commission comes with the obligation to allow inspection.” This statement alone has spurred concerns by citizen groups that FCC officials might, at some point, engage in warrantless searches of private residences. It doesn't seem so. While the statement might look to be asserting authority that transcends Fourth Amendment protections, one should consider the intended audience of this notice and the actual practices of government enforcement officials. I don't think we're talking about baby monitors rated in miliwatts of transmitting power or devices that generate minimal levels of RF interference. If a cop asserts some official-soundin...