3.19 Government Investigative Techniques refer to the methods used by federal, state, and local governments to conduct investigations into criminal activities. These techniques include surveillance, interviewing witnesses, using informants, collecting evidence, analyzing documents, conducting searches and seizures, issuing subpoenas, executing court orders, and using undercover agents. Surveillance involves using covert techniques such as electronic eavesdropping, wiretapping, and video or audio recording to monitor suspects. Interviewing witnesses involves questioning them about the circumstances of a crime or other activity. Using informants involves working with individuals who have intimate knowledge of the criminal activity being investigated. Collecting evidence involves gathering physical evidence and eyewitness accounts. Analyzing documents refers to the review of documents or other records for evidence of criminal activity. Executing court orders involves seeking permission from a judge to obtain property or records, or to conduct searches and seizures. Finally, using undercover agents involves sending agents to infiltrate criminal organizations to gather intelligence.