CA AB2210

Authorizes designated peace officers to use electronic amplifying or recording devices to eavesdrop on or record oral communications during emergency situations involving hostage-taking or barricading without prior court authorization.

Requires officers to make determinations that an emergency exists involving immediate danger of death or serious physical injury, that eavesdropping is immediately necessary, and that grounds exist for a federal wiretap order under 18 U.S.C. Section 2516(2).

Mandates that a written application for court approval be submitted within 48 hours of beginning eavesdropping and that recordings be made on tape or comparable device protected from editing or alteration.

Limits designations to peace officers authorized by a county district attorney or the Attorney General, and requires court approval based on probable cause before evidence can be used.

Defines "barricading" as a person refusing to leave an enclosed position and "hostage situation" as a person held against their will with a captor demand.