Alaska § 12.37.040 - Contents of order authorizing a communications interception; limitations on disclosure.

Full text of Alaska Alaska Statutes § 12.37.040 — Contents of order authorizing a communications interception; limitations on disclosure., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12.37.040. Contents of order authorizing a communications interception; limitations on disclosure.

 (a) An order entered under AS 12.37.030 must state        (1) that the court is authorized to enter the order;

 (2) if known, the identity of, or a particular description of, the person whose communications are to be intercepted;

 (3) the character and location of the particular communication facility or the particular place of the communication as to which authority to intercept is granted;

 (4) a specific description of the type of communication to be intercepted and a statement of the particular offense to which it relates;

 (5) the identity of the peace officer or officers to whom the authority to intercept a communication is given and the identity of the person who authorized the application; and

 (6) the period of time during which the interception is authorized, including a statement as to whether or not the interception automatically terminates when the described communication has been first obtained, and a statement that the interception shall begin and terminate as soon as practicable and be conducted in such a manner as to minimize the interception of communications not otherwise subject to interception.

 (b) An order entered under AS 12.37.030 may not authorize the interception of private communications for a period of time exceeding 30 days or that period necessary to achieve the objective of the authorization, whichever is shorter. The authorized interception period begins on the day on which the peace officer first begins to conduct an interception under the order or 10 days after the order is entered, whichever is earlier. Extensions of 30 days or less may be granted if application for each extension order is made under AS 12.37.020 and the necessary findings are made by the court under AS 12.37.030 .

 (c) The court may require an applicant to file periodic reports with the court, showing what progress is being made toward achieving the authorized objective of the communication interception and what need exists for continued interception. The intervals at which the reports are to be filed shall be determined by the court.

 (d) An order entered under AS 12.37.030 may, upon request of the applicant, direct that a communications common carrier, provider of wire or electronic communication services, landlord, owner, building operator, custodian, or other person furnish the applicant, without delay, all information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to accomplish the interception unobtrusively. The obligations of a communications common carrier under an order may include the obligation to conduct an in-progress trace during an interception. A communications common carrier, provider of wire or electronic communication services, landlord, owner, building operator, custodian, or other person who furnishes facilities or technical assistance under this subsection shall be compensated by the applicant at prevailing rates.

 (e) A communications common carrier, provider of wire or electronic communication services, landlord, owner, building operator, custodian, or other person who, under this section, has been shown a copy of an order authorizing the interception of a private communication may not disclose the existence of the order or of the device used to accomplish the interception unless        (1) the person is required to do so by legal process; and

 (2) the person gives prior notification to the attorney general or the attorney general's designee who authorized the application for the order.

 (f) An order entered under AS 12.37.030 may, upon the request of the applicant, authorize the applicant to enter a designated place or facility as often as necessary to install, maintain, or remove an intercepting device. The applicant shall notify the court of each such entry before its occurrence, if practicable. If prior notice is not practicable, the applicant shall notify the court within 72 hours after the entry.

Source: official Alaska text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska § 12.37.040

What does Alaska Statutes § 12.37.040 cover?

Section 12.37.040 ("Contents of order authorizing a communications interception; limitations on disclosure.") is part of the Alaska Statutes, the codified statutory law of Alaska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alaska § 12.37.040?

A common citation format is "Alaska Statutes § 12.37.040" (Alaska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alaska law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alaska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alaska attorney.

How does Alaska § 12.37.040 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alaska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.