Mr.
Schiff: One of the first times
the FBI used computers in an investigation
was in the late 70s. Several companies
wanting to help build California freeways
were involved in rigging bids for
concrete beams...
Mr. Marshall: "It's my understanding
that computers are essential in whatever
type of investigation you have."
Mr. Schiff: That's
retired FBI Special Agent Hal Marshall...
Mr. Marshall: "Especially
in coordinating information with other
offices; information being specifically
available in real time rather than
trying to quire someone by the telephone
or, in those days, we had teletypes."
Mr. Schiff:
Investigators found out about secret
meetings. Marshall says telephone
records were subpoenaed and then reviewed
by hand at first. Then he had a thought...
Mr. Marshall: "We're moving
into a new era, let me call FBI Headquarters.
I called FBI Headquarters and talked
with the then new computer section
and told them what we had and they
said, 'Please send them to us so we
can help you out.' And that is what
happened."
Mr. Schiff:
There were convictions and guilty
pleas after computers helped prove
anti-trust violations. I'm Neal Schiff
of the Bureau and that's the FBI's
Closed Case of the Week."
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