What is the time limit for a non-consensual (hard wire, T-3, room bug) surveillance order?

The time limit for a non-consensual surveillance order, such as a hard wire or T-3 order, is 30 days. This duration is established under federal law to ensure that surveillance efforts are tightly controlled and subject to judicial oversight. The requirement for a specific time frame helps to safeguard privacy rights while allowing law enforcement the tools necessary to investigate serious criminal activities.

In this context, the 30-day limit strikes a balance between effective law enforcement and the need to respect individual rights. After this initial period, law enforcement must provide a justification for any further surveillance, which ensures ongoing judicial scrutiny and accountability. Such regulations are designed to prevent abuse and ensure that such invasive measures are applied judiciously and only when genuinely necessary.