What must an applicant show to obtain a target-specific wiretap?

To obtain a target-specific wiretap, the applicant must demonstrate probable cause related to the actions of the individual or individuals being surveilled. Probable cause is a standard that requires showing sufficient reason to believe that a crime is being committed, is about to be committed, or has been committed. This is a crucial legal threshold that must be met to justify the intrusion into a person's privacy through wiretapping.

The requirement for probable cause ensures that wiretaps are not conducted arbitrarily and that there is a legitimate basis for believing that the surveillance will provide evidence of criminal activity. This standard helps balance law enforcement needs with individual rights, making it imperative for applicants to substantiate their claims with concrete information reflecting illegal activities associated with the targets.

Other options, such as proof of economic benefit or a prior criminal history, do not directly establish a basis for warranting wiretap surveillance specific to a target's current actions. Similarly, while involvement in organized crime may indicate a likelihood of continuing criminal activity, it alone does not constitute the necessary probable cause without further evidence of ongoing actions related to a crime.