January 8, 1969

Honorable Charles B. Faulkner
Prosecuting Attorney
Lawrence County
Mt. Vernon, Missouri

Dear Mr. Faulkner:

This is in answer to your letter of recent date requesting the refusal of Western Telephone Company to place devices on telephone lines to determine what lines are being used for harassing and obscene telephone calls. You state that the telephone company refuses to place such devices on the telephone lines unless they are ordered to do so by a court. We are unable to find any authority for any court to make such an order.

We are referring your letter to Mr. Frank D. Hequmbourg, Director of Utilities of the Public Service Commission of Missouri. He will look into the matter to determine what, if any, action can be taken by the Public Service Commission on this matter.

Very truly yours,

Norman H. Anderson
Attorney General