An eavesdropper is any person operating an eavesdropping device unlawfully, excluding which of the following?

An eavesdropper is defined as someone who operates an eavesdropping device unlawfully. However, there are exceptions to this definition based on the context in which the person operates. Authorized law enforcement officers (LEOs) are permitted to use eavesdropping devices in accordance with legal guidelines and warrants. Their actions are regulated by law, making their use of eavesdropping devices lawful and sanctioned within their official capacity.

In contrast, other individuals such as private investigators may have specific licenses that permit certain types of surveillance, but they still operate under a different set of regulations than law enforcement officers. The principal also refers to a stakeholder in an activity and is not relevant in the context of unlawful use of eavesdropping. The generalization of "any person" would include those who are eavesdropping unlawfully, underscoring why law enforcement officers are excluded from this definition when acting within the bounds of their authority. Thus, defining the exception to the unlawful definition of eavesdropping ensures clarity in the responsibilities and powers of law enforcement as compared to other individuals in the context of eavesdropping activities.