Las escuchas telefónicas, ¿un cometido para intérpretes o traductores? Wiretapping, a task for interpreters or translators?

Abstract This paper aims to answer the question posed in the title to shed light on the professional figure in charge of carrying out the tasks related to the interpretation and/or translation of wiretaps, generically framed within the field of judicial-police interpretation. To elucidate the tasks performed in a wiretap and classify them as belonging to translation or interpreting, we will refer to the studies that describe and analyze this particular task in detail. Then, we will extract from the documentation mentioned above the professional definitions given and the description of their tasks to contrast the professional profile required in the judicial field and the one described by the studies dedicated to wiretap interpreting, which represent the actual reality of this task. This study aims to get a clear and precise definition of the professional profile, requirements, competencies and skills that are indispensable for the proper performance of the task. A clear, unambiguous and complete profile proposal that finally covers all phases of the process and that can be adopted by professional associations and the police and judicial sector.