FBI Seizes Library Computers Without Warrant

An anonymous reader writes "Two FBI agents walked into a public library in Maryland, without a warrant, and walked out with two computers. The library director agreed to release the machines to these smooth-talking feds. According to the article, the director of Frederick County Public Libraries indicated that this was the third time in his 10 years there that the FBI had requested records, but the first time they had come without a court order. The director seemed to indicate no regrets, stating 'It was a decision I made on my experience and the information given to me.' He further justified his actions, noting that the agents indicated specific computers they needed (of the several dozen in the library) and further that they 'had an awful lot of information.'" The library director speculated whether the raid may have involved the Bruce Ivins / anthrax case, musing "Obviously it coincided with the events everyone is talking about," but he said the agents hadn't mentioned it.

Comments

Re:No warrant == not legitimate.

[Qzukk]

It's not illegal to volunteer information, how on earth did you get that idea?

So you volunteer your information to every pair of smooth-talking people in suits and shades who can't produce any documentation?

I don't see why the library can't do whatever the hell it pleases.

I don't see why we can't point out how colossally stupid this is.

Re:No warrant == not legitimate.

[Larryish]

This goes completely against the American Library Association's issued "Recommended Procedures for Law Enforcement Visits" policy

Uh, American Library Association... lessee... that has the ABC's on it of "ALA" and that's how real Texans know "Allah" is spelled.

Liberries are obviously all terr'rists and need to have all their stuff just took.

You see what I did there? ALA? Allah? Took it all? Rove taught me that.