Which of these is a common investigative technique used by government agencies?

The technique of electronic surveillance is commonly utilized by government agencies in investigations, particularly in cases related to health care fraud. This method can involve monitoring communications, including phone calls and emails, as well as observations via video surveillance, all aimed at gathering evidence of fraudulent activities. Electronic surveillance allows investigators to collect real-time data and establish patterns of behavior which can be pivotal in building a case against suspects involved in fraudulent schemes.

While public surveys, patient interviews, and online research can be valuable tools in understanding trends or gathering information, they do not typically carry the same weight in legal investigations as electronic surveillance does. This latter technique provides a more direct line of evidence that can hold up in court and assist in uncovering intricate fraud networks that may otherwise remain hidden.