How did Section 213 change the timing of notice for federal searches?

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George W. Bush: signing of USA PATRIOT Act — USA PATRIOT Act Pres. George W. Bush signing the USA PATRIOT Act in the East Room of the White House, Washington, D.C., October 26, 2001.

Section 213 of the USA PATRIOT Act authorized what are commonly referred to as "sneak and peek" searches. Under this provision, the requirement for law enforcement to provide notification to the target of a search is delayed until after the search has been executed.1

While the length of this delay must be considered "reasonable," the act allows for the delay to be extended indefinitely if "good cause" is shown. Critics have argued that these searches are unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment, as they permit government intrusion without immediate notification to the individual being investigated.1