Information gathered by government agents ranges from the most personal data about sexual liaisons to estimates of the strength of groups opposing US policies. Agents are usually lawyers, and they are always trained as investigators. They have learned the power of persuasion, as well as the ability to make a person feel scared, guilty or impolite for refusing their requests for information. Even when agents do have warrants, you still don't have to answer their questions . The new guidelines permitted the same intrusive techniques the FBI used against organized crime.
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.