How do you tap a phone line?

Question

I know you can tape phone calls. But if you just want to tap in to any phone #, because your into that snoopinign kind of thing. Can it be done. I know the computers the police use to do it are not all that advanced. I am curious is there a software out there or even the knowledge of how the police do it. Not to the benifite of myself at that point but I would just like to know how it works.

Answer 1

Federal wire taps, I believe, are done at the digital switch in your area. Usually there is one digital switch for every city/county. The small villages usually don't have one. The digital switch is usually located in the phone companies building. Since the bust of the baby bells many many years ago, many buildings look vacant, but they are not.

Once it goes digital it stays digital until is reduced back down to the party you're calling.

Most of the time you are not going to know where this building is. It could be in the basement in a bank building for all you know. Phone companies don't advertise these buildings.

How it works for a federally wire tapped phone? Not sure, and sorry I don't know the answer to that.

Answer 2

You don't tap phone lines, unless you want a visit from the FBI telling you that you are under arrest and facing federal charges. But, of course, it can be done. I'll just not be the one to tell you.

Answer 3

http://people.howstuffworks.com/wiretapping.htm