Political intelligence is gathered from public sources, such as newspapers and leaflets. It is also collected by informers who may be government employees or people recruited by them. Political intelligence is also collected through FBI visits to your home or office. Such interviews are a primary source of information, for most people are not aware of their right to not talk to federal agents. Most people are also unaware of the limits to the power of FBI and other investigative agents.
Many people visited by agents are also afraid of being rude or uncooperative.
Agents may be friendly and courteous, as if they are attempting to protect you or your organization, or express admiration for your organization and its goals. Occasionally, the FBI may persuade a disaffected member of a group to give them information about other members, including in regards to their personal lives, character and vulnerabilities. A major job of FBI agents is to convince people to give up their rights to silence and privacy. Prudence is the best course, no matter whom you suspect, or the basis of your suspicion. When possible, confront the suspected person in public, with at least one other person present.