A method and apparatus for monitoring fiber optic communications involves providing a space between a first end of a first optical fiber and a second end of a second optical fiber. A reflector is movable between a retracted position and an active position. In the active position, the reflector is positioned in the path of an optical signal beam passing through the space between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber to reflect a portion of the optical signal beam as a tap signal. The reflector is selectively moved between the retracted position and the active position. This enables the tap signal to be selectively turned off and on. It also enables the portion of the optical signal beam reflected to be selectively adjusted.