Specific Investigation Techniques Not Required (revised 2016) is a set of guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Justice to protect individuals’ civil liberties when conducting criminal investigations. The guidelines limit the use of specific investigative techniques to those that are necessary and appropriate to the investigation. Specifically, the guidelines restrict the use of certain techniques such as undercover operations, wiretaps, mail openings, and other surveillance activities. They also provide guidance on the use of surveillance equipment, such as drones, and other information gathering techniques. The revised 2016 guidelines include additional safeguards for individuals’ civil liberties. Specifically, they require investigators to obtain a warrant for any surveillance activity that does not involve a public place or is not conducted in a public setting. The guidelines also require investigators to obtain a court order before collecting and using any information obtained through surveillance activities, such as emails and phone records. Additionally, the guidelines prohibit the use of certain techniques, such as the “sneak and peek” technique, except in extreme cases. The revised guidelines are intended to provide greater protection of civil liberties while allowing law enforcement agencies to continue to conduct necessary investigations. They are also intended to ensure that law enforcement agencies are using the most effective and least intrusive techniques when conducting investigations.