Patriot Act Likely Helped Thwart NYC Terror Plot, Security Experts Say

.... Legal experts say security measures enacted in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks likely assisted federal agents in foiling the plot.

The Patriot Act -- signed into law by President Bush in October 2001 -- expanded wiretap authority to allow greater use of "roving wiretaps." The provision permits the FBI to wiretap any telephone a suspected terrorist may be using without having to obtain court approval.

Intelligence experts say that measure enables law enforcement to monitor conversations among multiple terror suspects more quickly and efficiently, because terrorists are known to discontinue their phones lines or change cell phones frequently. .....