NEWS
	Federal Communications Commission 1919 - M Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20554	News media information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov
	This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
	March 27, 1998
	STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD CONCERNING PETITIONS TO SET TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR WIRETAPPING
	We must ensure that law enforcement has the tools to fight crime and protect our citizens in the digital era, while at the same time safeguarding the public's legitimate concern for privacy. The issues raised in these petitions are extremely complex and important. They reflect some of the most difficult public policy concerns the FCC must deal with, including public safety, personal privacy, and technological innovation. The Commission will work diligently to ensure that all issues and concerns are addressed in a balanced and responsible manner. We must also balance concerns about the cost of implementing new requirements with our desire to encourage telecommunications carriers to bring new technologies and advanced services to the public at fair prices. The Commission will keep these principles firmly in mind as we evaluate the comments that will be received in response to the petitions we have received. We are also keenly aware of the difficult nature of these issues and the significant amount of time and resources that have been spent trying to resolve them. We are committed to working with all interested parties to find effective, efficient, and equitable solutions to these issues as quickly as possible. - FCC