What authorization is needed for electronic surveillance under Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968?

The authorization needed for electronic surveillance under Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 is indeed the Attorney General of the United States or any specially designated assistant attorney general. This law regulates wiretaps and electronic eavesdropping, and it establishes that law enforcement must seek this specific approval to ensure oversight and compliance with constitutional rights.

The involvement of the Attorney General is crucial as it reflects the balance between effective law enforcement and the protection of individual privacy rights. This mechanism is designed to prevent arbitrary or unlawful surveillance by requiring scrutiny from high-ranking officials who can ensure that the surveillance is justified and necessary.

Other roles mentioned, such as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or the Director of the CIA, do not have the jurisdiction to authorize such surveillance under this specific statute. The Director of the FBI plays a significant role in law enforcement but would still need that high-level authorization from the Attorney General to proceed with electronic surveillance under Title III. This framework plays a key role in maintaining the rule of law and protecting civil liberties within the context of national security and public safety.