Certified Protection Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

Which statement about electronic eavesdropping is false?

1. A listening device installed in a wire will cause a crackling sound, click, or noise

2. Electronic eavesdropping is legal with consent

3. Analog recording devices can be used for eavesdropping

4. Modern devices often operate silently

The correct answer is: A listening device installed in a wire will cause a crackling sound, click, or noise

The assertion that a listening device installed in a wire will cause a crackling sound, click, or noise is misleading. In practice, many contemporary listening devices designed for electronic eavesdropping operate quite discreetly and silently. High-quality devices can function without introducing noticeable audio artifacts like crackling or clicking sounds that could alert the target to the presence of the device. On the other hand, the other statements about electronic eavesdropping accurately reflect practices or legalities. The legality of electronic eavesdropping with consent is a key aspect of many privacy laws, as it falls under a different category than non-consensual surveillance, which is generally illegal. Additionally, the use of analog recording devices for eavesdropping has been a prevalent practice historically, underlining the variety of methods available for this type of surveillance. Finally, the advancement of technology has led to modern devices that can operate without making any noise, enhancing their efficacy and stealth. Thus, the correct understanding of the operational characteristics of listening devices clarifies why the first statement is deemed false.