Legal Definitions - minimization requirement

The minimization requirement is a mandate in criminal law that requires police officers to use wiretaps in a way that intercepts the fewest possible conversations that are not subject to the warrant. This means that officers must minimize the amount of non-relevant information they collect during an investigation.

For example, if a warrant is issued to monitor the phone conversations of a suspected drug dealer, the officers must only listen to conversations related to drug trafficking. They cannot listen to personal conversations between the suspect and their family or friends that have nothing to do with the investigation.

The minimization requirement is in place to protect the privacy rights of individuals who are not involved in the investigation. It ensures that law enforcement officers do not overstep their bounds and collect information that is not relevant to the case.