Nevertheless, charges like seditious conspiracy and investigative tactics like the use of paid informants need to be used with the most scrupulous caution.

And he outlined his broad program of investigative tactics and administrative policies to deter abuses and arrest renegade officers.

Not exactly: this story's investigative tactics are broad.

For starters, Mr. Pirro blamed his indictment on "the Clinton administration's investigative tactics into campaigns that are being run by Republicans."

Detective Walter Burnes, a police spokesman, said the department did not discuss investigative tactics, but added, "Computers are definitely a tool for investigation."

"Kurt and Courtney" is a prime, colorful example of Mr. Broomfield's offbeat investigative tactic: burrowing into scuzz.

He was also critical of the police for their investigative tactics.

The history of underhanded investigative tactics in American politics is long and ignoble.

He develops a different vantage point just by bringing present-day investigative tactics and perspective to events of the past.

"These are not sophisticated investigative tactics," she admits.