how to obtain and decypher ur fbi file

8/2/2019 How to Obtain and Decypher Ur FBI File

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Obtaining and Understanding Your FBI File

What Do They Know About You?

Want to discover what the FBI has on file about you? You might think they have nothing -- then again, you could be wrong. There isonly one way to find out for sure...ask! In this report, you will discover not only how to obtain your files and where to send for them,but you will also discover some of the codes and acronyms used in FBI files. Without these codes and acronyms, deciphering your FBIfiles could prove difficult, if not impossible. IMPORTANT: Keep this information, as you will need it when you r eceive yourfi les from the FBI. In addition, there is an explanation of:

The Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIPA)

How the FBI deals with FOIPA requests

What circumstances the FBI can refuse to release certain information to you, and

An explanation of how to send an appeal letter if your request is denied

But first, before we tackle how to request your files, there is a section on how the FBI organizes and maintains their files. There is alsodiscussion on the types of information found in their filing system as well as the classification codes the FBI uses. The FBI hasestablished a large presence on the World Wide Web, and they have posted some documents there for your reading pleasure --including information on the UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico over 50 years ago, as well as information on gangsters and America'sMost Wanted. See if your mysterious neighbor is this years new Al Capone! The main FBI site promises to publish other documents intheir electronic reading room in the future. We may assume that, perhaps, some day we will be able to access our own fileselectronically. Finally, in keeping with the current electronic nature of the Internet and gaining information off the 'Net, there is a listingof not only the FBI Field Offices which have homepages on the Web, but also a section on other FBI-related Web sites you may beinterested in exploring.

FBI FILES - HOW THEY'RE ORGANIZEDIn the central records system used by the FBI, records are classified by 210 numbers which designate the type of file and what it relatesto.

General Index is the alphabetical index of the main files.

The Central Records Filing Systems are divided into 210 different numbers which indicate each of the FBI's investigative andadministrative tasks.

Main files usually contain documents that are collected during the course of an investigation. Subfiles are sections of the mainfiles. They can be lettered or numbered, and usually contain information, newspaper clippings, physical surveillanceinformation, wiretaps and other typical forms of recorded espionage.

There are four types of file classifications: administrative, applicant, investigative and personnel

Control files are those separate files which relate to a specific matter and is used as an administrative means of managing, or"controlling" a certain program or investigative matter. However, not every program or investigative matter gets a "control file."This is decided on a discretionary basis by those in charge. Apparently, the FBI is less than forthcoming about control files.

THREE SETS OF NUMBERS MAKE UP THE FBI FILE NUMBERF O R E X A M PLE : 12-34567-890

The first number is the classification number and tells what type of investigation thedocument relates to. 1 2The second number is known as the Individual Case Number and are in sequence as to thenumber of file opened in that particular office. 34567The third number is the document number, or serial number. This indicates in which order itwas placed in the file. 8 90

At the FBI Headquarters, either a "0" or "00" is put before the first case appearing in a classification. "0"files include miscellaneous data or complaints for which there are no need to open a separate case file."00" files contain procedures and policies that relate to classification. If there is a change pertaining toclassification procedures, that document is put in the "00" file. But what do all those classificationnumbers mean? You will find the numbers, along with detailed descriptions, in the FBI's yearly "PrivacyAct" notices in the Federal Register. Over the years, there are changes to titles or descriptions, but thecategories' general essence usually remains intact. Below you'll find a comprehensive listing ofclassification numbers -- including older categories that are obsolete but have been used in older FBIfiles. For the sake of continuity and comprehension, the classification numbers have been kept in order and intact.

CLASSIFICATION NUMBER DEFINITIONS1. National Service Academy, trainingschools, or pertaining to FBI NationalAcademy Applicants2. Neutrality Matters3. Overthrow or Destruction of theGovernment4. National or Federal Firearms Acts;State Firearms Control Assistance Act;

64. Foreign Miscellaneous65. Espionage66. Administrative matters67. Personnel matters68. Alaskan matters69. Contempt of court70. Crime on Government Reservation71. Bills of Lading Act

141. False Entries in Records ofInterstate Carriers142. Illegal Use of Railroad Pass143. Interstate Transportation ofGambling Devices144. Interstate Transportation of LotteryTickets145. Interstate Transportation of


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Unlawful Possession or Receipt ofFirearms.5. Income Tax6. Interstate Transportation ofStrikebreakers7. Kidnapping8. Migratory Bird Act.9. Extortion.10. Red Cross Act.

11. Tax -- except income tax.12. Narcotics13. Miscellaneous, National DefenseAct, Prostitution14. Sedition15. Theft from Interstate Shipment16. Violation Federal injunction17. Veterans Administration Matters18. May Act19. Censorship Matters20. Federal Graln Standards Act21. Food and Drugs22. National Motor Vehicle Traffic Act23. Prohibition24. Profiteering

25. Selective Service26. Interstate Transportation of StolenMotor Vehicles; InterstateTransportation of Stolen Aircraft.27. Patent Matters28. Copyright Matters29. Bank Fraud and Embezzlement30. Interstate Quarantine Law31. White Slave Traffic Act32. Identification/Fingerprints33. Uniform Crime Reporting.34. Violation of Lacy Act35. Civil Service Matter36. Mail Fraud37. False Claims Against theGovernment

38. Application for Pardon to RestoreCivil Rights39. Falsely Claiming Citizenship40. Passports/Visas41. Explosives42. Deserters or Harboring Deserters43. Illegal Wearing of Uniforms, as wellas:

False Advertising: Misuse ofNames, Words, Emblems orInsignia

Illegal Manufacture, Use,Possession, or Sale ofEmblems and Insignia

Counterfeiting Seal ofDepartment or Agency of theUnited States

Misuse of the Great Seal ofthe United States, Seals ofthe President or the VicePresident of the UnitedStates; Unauthorized Use ofSmokey Bear Symbol

44. Civil Rights; Election Laws, Voting

72. Obstruction of CriminalInvestigation73. Application for Pardon afterCompletion of Sentence and Applicationfor Executive Clemency74. Perjury75. Bondsmen and Sureties76. Escaped Federal Prisoner,Probation/Parole Violator, Mandatory

Release Violator77. Applicants78. Illegal Use of GovernmentTransportation Requests79. Missing Persons80. Laboratory Research Matters81. Gold Hoarding82. War Risk Insurance83. Court of Claims.84. Reconstruction Finance CorporationAct85. Homeowner Loan Corp86. Federal Lending and InsuranceAgencies87. Fraud by television, radio or wire,

Interstate Transportation of StolenProperty88. Unlawful Flight to Avoid GivingTestimony, Unlawful Flight to AvoidProsecution, Custody or Confinement89. Assaulting or Killing a FederalOfficer90. Irregularities in Federal PenalInstitutions91. Bank Burglary, Larceny or Robbery92. Anti-Racketeering93. Ascertaining Financial Ability - aperson's ability to pay a fine or claim bythe U.S. Government94. Research Matters95. Laboratory Cases

96. Alien Applicant97. Foreign Agents Registration Act98. Sabotage99. Plant Survey (Inspections ofindustrial plants by FBI to prevent themfrom being victims of espionage)100. Domestic Security101. Hatch Act - subversive acts byGovernment employees102. Voorhis Act103. Interstate Transportation of StolenCattle104. Servicemen's DependentsAllowance Act of 1942105. Foreign Counterintelligence

Matters106. Alien Enemy Control or EscapedPrisoners of War107. Denaturalization Proceedings108. Foreign Travel Control109. Foreign Political Matters110. Foreign Economic Matters111. Foreign Social Conditions112. Foreign Funds113. Foreign Military and Naval Matters114. Alien Property Custodian Matters115. Bail Jumper or Bond Default

Obscene Matter or BroadcastingObscene Language146. Interstate Transportation of Prison-Made Goods147. Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment Matters148. Interstate Transportation ofFireworks149. Destruction of Motor Vehicles or

Aircraft150. Harboring of Federal Fugitives(statistics)151. Agency for InternationalDevelopment, Department of Energy,Civil Service Commission, NationalAeronautics and Space Administration,National Science Foundation, PeaceCorps, Actions, U.S. Arms Control andDisarmament Agency, World HealthOrganization, International LaborOrganization, U.S. Information Agency152. Switchblade Knife Act153. Automobile Information DisclosureAct

154. Interstate Transportation of UnsafeRefrigerators155. National Aeronautics and Space Actof 1958156. Employee Retirement IncomeSecurity Act157. Civil Unrest158. Labor-Management Reporting andDisclosure Act of 1959159. Investigative matters, LaborManagement Reporting and DisclosureAct of 1959160. Federal Train Wreck Statute161. Special Inquiries for White House,Congressional Committee and OtherGovernment Agencies

162. Interstate Gambling Activities163. Foreign Police Cooperation164. Crime Aboard Aircraft165. Interstate Transmission of WageringInformation166. Interstate Transportation in Aid ofRacketeering167. Destruction of Interstate Property168. Interstate Transportation ofWageringParaphernalia169. Hydraulic Brake Fluid Act170. Extremist Informants171. Motor Vehicle Seat Belt Act172. Sports Bribery

173. Public Accommodations, Civil RightsAct of 1964 Public Facilities, Education,Employment 174. Explosives andIncendiary Devices; Bomb Threats175. Assaulting the President (or VicePresident) of the United States176. Anti-riot Laws177. Discrimination in Housing178. Interstate Obscene or HarassingTelephone Calls179. Extortionate Credit Transactions180. Desecration of the Flag


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Rights Act; Overseas Citizens VotingRights Act of 1975.45. Crime on the High Seas46. Fraud Against the Government,Federal Aid Road Act, Lead and ZincAct, Public Works and EconomicDevelopment Act of 1965,Renegotiation Act, Criminal;Renegotiation Act, Civil; Trade

Expansion Act of 1962, UnemploymentCompensation Statutes, EconomicOpportunity Act.47. Impersonation48. Postal violation other than mailfraud49. National Bankruptcy Act50. Involuntary Servitude and Slavery51. Jury Panel Investigations52. Theft, Robbery, Embezzlement,Illegal Possession or Destruction ofGovernment Property, Interference withGovernment Communications53. Excess Profits on Wool54. Customs Laws and Smuggling

55. Counterfeiting56. Election Laws57. War Labor Dispute Act58. Bribery or Conflict of Interest59. World War Adjusted CompensationAct60. Anti-Trust61. Treason or Misprision of Treason62. Miscellaneous: includingAdministrative Inquiries, MisconductInvestigations of Officers andEmployees of the Department of Justiceand Federal Judiciary; Domestic PoliceCooperation, Eight Hour-Day Law, FairLabor Standards Act of 1938 (Wageand Hours Law), conspiracy

63. Miscellaneous Non-subversive

116. Dept of Energy Applicant orEmployee117. Dept of Energy - relates toCriminal118. Intelligence Agency Applicant119. Federal Regulations of LobbyingAct120. Federal Tort Claims Act121. Loyalty of Government Employees

122. Labor Management Relations Act123. Special Inquiry - State Dept/Voiceof America124. European Recovery Program125. Railway Labor Act126. National Security Resources Board127. Sensitive Positions in U.S.Government128. International DevelopmentProgram129. Evacuation Claims130. Special Inquiry - Armed ForcesSecurity Act131. Admiralty Matters132. Special Inquiry - Office of Defense

Mobilization133. National Science FoundationAct/Applicant134. Foreign Counter-IntelligenceAssets135. Protection of Strategic AirCommand Bases of the U.S. Air Force136. American Legion Contact137. Informants Other than ForeignCounter-Intelligence138. Loyalty of Employees of the UnitedNations and Other Public InternationalOrganizations139. Interception of Communications140. Security of GovernmentEmployees

181.Consumer Credit Protection Act182. Illegal Gambling Business,Obstruction or Forfeiture183.184. Police Killings185. Protection of ForeignOfficials/Guests of the United States186. Real Estate Settlement ProceduresAct of 1974

187. Privacy Act of 1974 (criminal)188. Crime Resistance189. Equal Credit Opportunity Act190. Freedom of Information/PrivacyActs191. False Identity Matters192. Hobbs Act - Financial Institutions193. Hobbs Act -Commercial Institutions194. Hobbs Act - Corruption of PublicOfficials195. Hobbs Act - Labor-related196. Fraud by Wire197. Civil Actions or Claims Against theGovernment198. Crime on Indian Reservations

199. Foreign Counterintelligence -terrorism 200. ForeignCounterintelligence Matters - China201. Foreign Counterintelligence Matters-Satellite202. Foreign Counterintelligence Matters- Cuba203. Foreign Counterintelligence Matters- all other countries204. Federal Revenue Sharing205. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of1977206. Fraud Against the Government -Department of Defense207. Fraud Against the Government -Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

208. Fraud Against the Government -General Services Admin209. Fraud Against the Government -Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare210. Fraud Against the Government-Department of Labor

BASICSWHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PRIVACY ACT:

THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT: 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552, As Amended by Public Law No. 104-231, 110 Stat. 2422Revisions have been made to the FOIA in March of 1997 and October of 1997. Below you will find key information about the FOIA, aswell as The Privacy Act of 1974.

It is advisable to request information under both the FOIA and The Privacy Act of 1974. Also, you are also allowed to correct, change oromit information about you that is inaccurate, out of date, or not complete.

If the agency refuses to provide access to your information or disallows you to correct your record, The Privacy Act allows you to suethat agency. Be aware that if you choose to sue, you have six years to file under FOIA, but only two years to sue under the Privacy Act.

Currently, the Privacy Act is restricted to use by U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens. Under the Freedom of Information Act, anyperson can obtain access to any records. You cannot be charged for searching costs, but a charge may apply for copying the material.Once you request information, agencies, such as the FBI, must decide within 20 working days whether they will comply with therequest.

In the past, the decision was supposed to have been made within 10 days, however, this was recently changed. They must let therequester know if they've decided to fulfill the request or deny it. If they deny it, they must let the requester know, as they have a right


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to appeal the decision. If you receive a denial and you send an appeal letter, the FBI must respond to you within 20 working days to theappeal.

An agency may take an additional ten days to respond to the initial request or the appeal in "unusual circumstances." This usuallymeans the agency has to obtain records from its field offices, or has to process a large volume of separate records. It could also meanthat they have to consult with another agency or two or more of its components in order to satisfy your request.

The FOIA only includes federal government agencies, not state ones or private businesses. In addition, private individuals andorganizations are not covered, either. There are also some federal elements that are exempt from the FOIA. Federal courts, Congressand those who assist or advise the President are not covered by the FOIA.

The FBI maintains that the FOIPA Section of the Office of Public and Congressional Affairs has about 400 staff members as of January1998.

HOW THE FBI DEALS WITH MEETING DEMANDS OF THE FOIA AND PRIVACY ACTS (FOIAP):In 1975, after amendments to the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act of 1974 took effect, the FBI then had to providemore access to their much-coveted files than had previously been given. Since then, requests have grown exponentially. In fact, the FBIestimates that in the last two decades, some six million pages of information has been released in response to nearly half a millionrequests.

Typically, once you have requested information from the FBI, your request is entered into their computer database and given a specificnumber. Acknowledgment of your request is made, and then, the agency searches for information pertinent to your request. Finally, iffiles are located by the agency, it is then determined if those files are the correct files. Because there are countless John Smith's, forinstance, it must be determined that they have information for the correct John Smith.

For the FBI, standard procedure includes not only making a copy of the file, but an analyst also reviews the file. This analyst decides if

any parts of information in the documents should be kept from the person making the request.The law provides for exemptions, so by following the guidelines in the FOIPA, the FBI can withhold some information. If information ischosen for deletion, a marker is used to highlight that information. In addition, the analyst cites the specific exemption that applies, bywriting the explanation in the margin. Once the document(s) are copied, the material the analyst has chosen to delete is blackened outon the copy the requester receives.

According to the FBI, the future will see electronic versions of these documents which they anticipate will take the place of the old wayof "marking out" the material. At the main FBI Web site listed near the end of this report, you will find an electronic reading room whereyou can view some files that have been released for public viewing.

WHEN CAN THE FBI WITHHOLD INFORMATION FROM YOU?There are certain exemptions to the FOIA. These exemptions are divided into nine categories. However, the FBI cannot withhold thewhole document because it contains exempted material. They must mark out the exempted sections and provide you with the rest ofthe document.

THE NINE CATEGORIES OF EXEMPTIONS:1.National Security: This includes any information, which could cause damage to national security. Typically, this wouldinclude information on weapons, records from the Central Intelligence Agency, some military information or special technologyor scientific advances that affect national security.

2.Rules which apply internally to agencies: This covers certain specific rules and practices of the agency in question.3.Information that is covered by other statutes: Certain information has been deemed confidential by other statutes,such as personal tax information or certain data gathered by the census.

4.Information related to business: Information relating to trade secrets, sales statistics, trade secrets/manufacturingformulas, financial information, or other commercially related confidential information. This also applies to oil wells (seeexemption #9).

5.Memos which relate to inter- or intra-agency letters or memos of a confidential nature:6.Information which would be an invasion of personal privacy, such as medical or personnel f i les7.Information p ertaining to l aw enforcement investigations: If releasing information which relates to a lawenforcement investigation would invade personal privacy, jeopardize a person's right to a fair trial, reveal a confidential source,reveal means of investigation or threaten the safety (or even the life) of a person, then this is when the exemption wouldapply.

8.Information related to the operation or examination of f inancial institutions: This exemption covers not onlybanks and trust companies, it also covers The Federal Reserve System.

9.Information regarding the location of oil wells and related geological information:DENIED! NOW WHAT DO YOU DO? APPEAL!

SAMPLE APPEAL LETTER:


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If your request for information is denied, you can send an appeal letter. You may choose to write the letter yourself, or have yourpersonal attorney sign the letter.

Below is a sample appeal letter.Freedom of Information and Privacy Act -- Request for AppealFEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONChief FOIA & Privacy Act SectionRoom 6296 JEH935 Pennsylvania Avenue

NW Washington, D.C. 20535

This letter serves as my appeal under the Freedom of Information Act, 6 U.S.C. Sec. 552(a) and requests a reconsideration ofyour decision.

Previously, I requested documents under the Freedom of Information Act on [insert date]. Your agency assigned this identificationnumber [insert number here] to my request. My request was denied per a letter received on [insert date]. This letter of denial wassigned by [insert name of person who denied request.]

I would like to receive an explanation as to why my request for information was denied. It is my belief that these requesteddocuments should be released under the FOIA due to [list reason here]. According to the current statute, I understand a decision onmy appeal to be made within 20 working days.

Thank you for your consideration, and I expect to hear from you on this matter soon.

Sincerely,Your nameYour AddressYour City, State, Zip CodeYour Telephone Number

Perhaps you've been stopped in your tracks by a fee request for the information you would like to obtain. You CAN ask for the fees to bewaived if you're not seeking them for commercial use, if you're a member of the media who is strictly using the info in newsgathering,or if you believe releasing the documents would be in the public's interest and would facilitate better understanding of the governmentand its operations.

Below is a sample letter, requesting waiver of fees:Re: Freedom of Information Act AppealFEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONChief FOIA & Privacy Act SectionRoom 6296 JEH935 Pennsylvania AvenueNW Washington, D.C. 20535

Dear:This serves as my appeal under the Freedom of Information Act, 6 U.S.C.Sec. 552(a).

As of[date] I requested documents under the Freedom of Information Act and my request was assigned the followingnumber: [insert number here]. Your response, dated [date] and signed by [insert signer's name], indicated that my request for awaiver of fees was denied. I would like to appeal this decision to deny my request for a waiver of fees because I believe I am entitled

to a waiver of fees.

It is in the public interest for these requested documents to be disclosed, especially since the information therein will likely tocontribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government. I would also like to add that theinformation I am requesting is not primarily in my commercial interests/for commercial use.

**add if you are a member of the media**

In addition, I believe I should not have to pay search charges because I am a reporter seeking information as part ofnewsgathering, which is not intended for commercial use.

As granted in the statute, I trust that a final ruling on this appeal will reach me within 20 working days.


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Thank you for consideration.

Sincerely,NameAddressYour City, State, Zip CodeYour Telephone Number

DECIPHERING INFORMATION ON FBI REPORTS:CODES AND LETTERS ~~ WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

Although it's true that we may never know all of the codes used by the FBI, here is a listing of some of the terms, which can be found inFBI documents. Instead of being stymied and confused by acronyms you don't understand or befuddled by inner-Bureau lingo, now youhave a handy tool. It's the same idea as a handy pocket guide that translates a foreign language; only this time, the language you'll beconverting will be FBI-ese! Be aware that not all terms may be covered in this list, as there are still abbreviations and acronyms thathave not been deciphered. However, you'll find this list rather extensive and informative. Call it your mini-primer to cutting through allthe confusing, misunderstood notations you might see in your FBI files!

CODES AND LETTERS? - Not able to identify if file material belongs with the information requested on a particular individualAAG - Assistant Attorney GeneralAD - Assistant DirectorAdd. Info - Additional informationADIC - Assistant Director in ChargeADM - AdministrativeAG - Attorney GeneralAIRTEL - Urgent internal FBI communication which must be typed the same day it is dictated.AK A - "Also known as" EXAMPLE: Joe Smith, A.K.A. Joe Q SmithAL - Albany Field OfficeAMSD - Air mail special deliveryAN - Anchorage Field OfficeAnalysts - work in FOIPA branch and determine what information should be released to a requester.Anonymous Source - Generally refers to usage of an illegal investigative techniqueAO - Auxiliary OfficeAPB - All Points BulletinApplicant Investigation, or Apps - Refers to employees or applicants of federal agencies.AQ - Albuquerque Field OfficeAR L - Pertains to anti-riot lawsARMS - Automated Records Management SystemASAC - Ass't Special Agent in Charge. Second in command of a field office.Asset - Term used for informantsAssistant Director or Ass't D - Title given to the Head of each division of FBI Headquarters, as well as the New Yorkand Los Angeles field offices. Replaced Associate Director in 1979.Assistant to the Director - High-level FBI official who is also known as the Deputy Associate Director.Associate Director - Prior to 1979, this position was the second in command of the FBI.AT - Atlanta Field OfficeATIO - Means, "adjusted time in office." Agents can subtract from time in office on special projects or in conferences.Att C.F. - Attach case fileAUSA - Assistant U.S. AttorneyAuxil iary Office or AO - Field offices which offer a supporting role, yet not a primary one, in investigationsAX - Alexandria Field OfficeB. - "the Bureau," or FBI HeadquartersBA - Baltimore Field OfficeBB - "bank burglary"Bed to Bed FISUR - Morning to night physical surveillance of a person who is under investigation.BEX - Black extremistBH - Birmingham Field OfficeBig Manual - Known as the official FBI Manual of Rules and Regulations.BL - Bank larcenyBlack Bag Job - Entry by the FBI (without a warrant) to conduct searches, take photographs or to confiscate documents.This does not apply to installation of microphones for recording purposes, however.Blind Memo - A memo that has no marks to identify that it came from the FBI.Blue Slip - Voucher used with confidential FBI funds. Blue Slip funds are used to pay FBI informants.BR Matters - Bank robbery mattersBS - Boston Field Office


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BS U - Black Student UnionBT - Butte Field OfficeBU - Buffalo Field OfficeBUFIL - Files which are kept at the Washington, D.C. FBI HeadquartersBUG - Concealed recording device: microphone.Bureau - Another name for the FBIC - can mean "communist," "a criminal manner informant," "confidential," or could mean a case is closed.Capbom - Relates to 1971 bombing of the U.S. CapitolCase File - the main fileCase Number - Used after the classification number in the FBI file number.CC - Carbon copyCCH - Computer Criminal HistoriesCE - Charlotte Field OfficeCF - Case fileCH - channelized, which means copies have been provided to the correct officesCG - Chicago Field OfficeCGR - Crime on Government ReservationChange-to Memo - Means a particular document was moved to a file that was more appropriate.CHICOMS - Chinese CommunistsChief Clerk - Clerk, whose responsibility is to open, index and provide documents to the correct FBI employee.CI - "Confidential Informant" or "Cincinnati Field Office" or "Communist Index"CIA - Central Intelligence AgencyCIC - Counter Intelligence CorpCINAL - Current Intelligence Analyses, which are made up of information on domestic intelligence.CI P - Counterintelligence ProgramCL - Can mean "closed" or "civil litigation."CMC - Communist-Pro-ChineseCMS - Communist-Pro-SovietCNDI - Confidential National Defense InformantCO - Columbia Field OfficeCOGOG - Communists In Government GroupsCOINTELPRO - Counterintelligence Program supposedly discontinued in 1971.Comfugs - Communist fugitivesCOMINFIL - Communist InfiltrationCOMINT - Communications IntelligenceComintern - Communist InternationalCOMPIC -Communist Picture AlbumComsab - Communist sabotageConsensual Monitoring - Monitoring a conversation through electronic means with the consent of one of the peopleinvolved

CONUS - Continental United StatesCover - To conceal one's dealings with the FBI or other agency, such as the CIACP-USA - Communist Party U.S.A.CRC-PO - Clandestine Radio Communications, Potential OperatorsCR S - Central Records SystemCR U - Classification Review UnitCRV - Conditional Release ViolatorCS - Confidential SourceCSC - Civil Service CommissionCTNF - Computerized Telephone Number FileCV - Cleveland Field OfficeDAPLI - Departmental Applicants, Professional StaffDCGO - Direct Coast Guard OfficeDCI - Director of Central IntelligenceDD-553 - Defense Department FormDE - Detroit Field OfficeDEA - Drug Enforcement AdministrationDead drop - A place for dropping off and picking up spy informationDetcom - Detention of CommunistsDI Domestic Intelligence DivisionDIOuty Intelligence OfficerDI Sefense Investigative ServiceDLallas Field OfficeDOB - Date of BirthDOD - Department of DefenseDOE - Department of EnergyDOJ - Department of Justice"Do Not File" - Pertains to records intentionally kept out of the main records system


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Downgrade - To lower the level of classification of a file.DS - Pertains to files which have been destroyedElectronic Surveil lance - Includes monitoring by means of wiretapping or by microphoneELSUR - Electronic surveillanceEP - El Paso Field OfficeEsp-R - Russian espionageEsp. Sec. - Espionage SectionEstablished Sources - Persons who already supply information to the BureauExp. Proc. - Expedite ProcessingFAG - Fraud Against GovernmentFB I - Federal Bureau of InvestigationFBI HQ - Federal Bureau of Investigation HeadquartersFBW - Fraud by WireFC I - Foreign CounterintelligenceFG J - Federal Grand JuryFHD - Federal House of DetentionFINDER - Automated fingerprint scanner machine used at FBI HQFISUR - Physically watching subjects, such as a demonstrationFive - Division Five, otherwise known as Intelligence DivisionFN U - First Name UnknownFO - Field OfficeFOIA - Freedom of Information ActFOIPA - Freedom of Information/Privacy Act- Fingerprint classificationFR N - Foreign AffiliationFUDE - Fugitive or DeserterFug - FugitiveGA O - General Accounting OfficeGJ - Grand JuryGlove - Another word for covered by surveillanceG-Men - FBI AgentsHCUA - House Committee on Un-American ActivitiesHi t - When information is found in the NCIC (National Crime Information Computer) ProgramHN - Honolulu Field OfficeHO - Houston Field OfficeHQ - Federal Bureau of Investigation HeadquartersI - IdenticalIA - Informative AssetIACP - International Association of Chiefs of PoliceIC - Incoming or Investigative ClerkIl legals - Persons from foreign countries who enter the U.S. illegallyInfo - InformationInformant or INFT - Individual who provides information to the FBIIN S - Immigration and Naturalization ServiceInspector - Official in the FBI whose job it is to conduct yearly inspections on document handling in Field OfficesInterpol - International Criminal Police OrganizationINV - InvestigativeIOC - Interception of CommunicationsIP - Indianapolis Field OfficeIPAL - Information and Privacy Acts LitigationIR S - Internal Revenue ServiceIS - Internal SecurityIS-C - Internal Security - CommunistISINT - Israeli Intelligence ServiceISS - Indices Search SlipITAR - Interstate Transportation in Aid of RacketeeringITOM - Interstate Transportation of Obscene MatterITSMV - Interstate Transportation of Stolen Motor VehiclesITSP - Interstate Transportation of Stolen PropertyJCS - Joint Chiefs of StaffJK - Jacksonville Field OfficeJN - Jackson Field OfficeK-(followed by a number) - Stands for Laboratory specimen ID numberKB E - Key Black ExtremistKC - Kansas City Field OfficeKG B - Russian Committee for State Security - Russian Intelligence AgencyKX - Knoxville Field OfficeLA - Los Angeles Field Office


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LCN- La Cosa Nostra - the Mafia, or organized crimeLegat - Legal attacheLNU - Last Name UnknownLR - Little Rock Field OfficeLRC - Last Relevant CommunicationLS - Louisville Field OfficeLV - Las Vegas Field OfficeMail Intercept - Opening mailMC - Mexico City Legal AttacheME - Memphis Field OfficeMF - Main FileMI - Mis-indexedMI-5 - British Security Service; similar to FBIMI-t - British Intelligence Service; similar to CIAMID - Military Intelligence DivisionMISUR - Surveillance conducted by microphonesMM - Miami Field OfficeMO - Mobile Field OfficeMOI - Manual of InstructionsMP - Minneapolis Field OfficeMPD - Metropolitan Police DepartmentMS - Denotes a document is missingMURKIN - Files pertaining to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.NCIC - National Crime Information ComputerNCIC Cleared - Fugitive is in custodyND - Naval DistrictNF - Norfolk Field OfficeNH - New Haven Field OfficeIS - Naval Investigative ServiceNK - Newark Field OfficeNO - New Orleans Field OfficeNP - Not PertinentNPC - Newspaper ClippingsNR - No RecordNSA - National Security AgencyNY - New York Field OfficeO & C - Official and ConfidentialOC - "Out of the Country" or "Oklahoma City Field Office" or "Organized Crime"OO - Office of OriginOG - Outgoing phone callOM - Omaha Field Office1A Envelope - Envelops which usually contain physical evidenceOOJ - Obstruction of JusticeORI - Originating AgencyP - PendingP* - Pending, but inactiveP & C - Personal and ConfidentialP & P - Pamphlets and PublicationsPC I - Potential Crime InformantPc t - PrecinctPF - Personal FilePG - Pittsburgh Field OfficePh - Phonetic spellingPH - Philadelphia Field OfficePH S - Personal History StatementPOB - Place of BirthPR - Prosecutive ReportPRI - Potential Racial InformantPR N - Puerto Rican NationalistPROSAB - Protection of Strategic Air Command Bases of U.S. Air ForceProtect - To keep a person's identity a secretPS I - Potential Security InformantPV - Parole ViolatorPX - Phoenix Field OfficeRA - Resident Agent or Resident AgencyRCMP - Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceRelet - Referring to letter ....Req Rec'd - Request has been received


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REV - RevolutionaryRM - Registered MailR/ S - Routing SlipRUC - Referred Upon CompletionRWBS - Report Will Be SubmittedS - Secret; data that is deemed to cause damage to national security if releasedSA - "Special Agent" or "San Antonio Field Office"SAC - Special Agent in ChargeS-B - Soviet BlocSD - San Diego Field OfficeSE - "Special Employee of the FBI" or "Seattle Field Office"Se c - Section (usually followed by a number)See Ref - See ReferenceSensit ive - Information that, if exposed, could cause embarrassmentSF - San Francisco Field OfficeSI - "Security Informant"or "Springfield Field Office"SJ - San Juan Field OfficeSL - St. Louis Field OfficeSource - A person who provides information to the FBISS - Search SlipSSA - Selective Service ActSS N - Selective Service NumberStats - StatisticsSU - Salt Lake City Field OfficeSUB or Subj - SubjectSulet - Submit LetterSUM - SummarySUPV - SupervisorSV - Savannah Field OfficeSWAT - Special Weapons and Tactics TeamT-(followed by a number) - Denotes a confidential sourceTEPCI - Top Echelon Potential Criminal InformantTESUR - Surveillance conducted via telephoneTFIS - Theft From Interstate ShipmentTGP - Theft of Government PropertyTI O - Time in OfficeTOPLEV - Top LevelTP - Tampa Field OfficeTS - Top Secret. Material of this nature has been determined to cause extreme damage to national securityTurn - To become an FBI informantU - "Unavailable Reference"or "Unclassified"UACB - Unless Advised to Contrary by the BureauUCR - Uniform Crime ReportsUFAC - Unlawful Flight to Avoid ConfinementUFAP - Unlawful Flight to Avoid ProsecutionUNSUB - Unknown SubjectUpgrade - When a decision is made to raise the security level of a documentUSA - United States AttorneyUSC - "United States Court" or "United States Code"USDS - United States Department of StateUT L - Unable to LocateVIDEM - Vietnam DemonstrationsWA - With AliasWAS - With aliasesWFO - Washington Field OfficeWLM - Women's Liberation MovementWLMBE - When Letter May Be ExpectedWRMBE - When Report May Be Expected

WHERE TO SEND YOUR REQUEST FOR INFORMATION:F.B.I. Field Offices

Federal Bureau of Investigation200 McCarty Avenue445 BroadwayAlbany, New York 12207

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 679FOB 575 North Pennsylvania StreetIndianapolis, Indiana 46204

Federal Bureau of Investigation150 Corporate BoulevardNorfolk, Virginia 23502


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(518) 465-7551

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 300415 Silver Avenue, SouthwestAlbuquerque, New Mexico 87102(505) 224-2000

Federal Bureau of Investigation101 East Sixth AvenueAnchorage, Alaska 99501(907) 258-5322

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 4002635 Century Parkway, NortheastAtlanta, Georgia 30345(404) 679-9000

Federal Bureau of Investigation7142 Ambassador RoadBaltimore, Maryland 21244-2754(410) 265-8080

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 14002121 8th. Avenue N.Birmingham, Alabama 35203(205) 326-6166

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 600One Center PlazaBoston, Massachusetts 02108(617) 742-5533

Federal Bureau of Investigation

One FBI PlazaBuffalo, New York 14202-2698(716) 856-7800

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 900400 South Tyron StreetCharlotte, North Carolina 28285(704) 377-9200

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 905E.M. Dirksen Federal OfficeBuilding

219 South Dearborn StreetChicago, Illinois 60604(312) 431-1333

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 9000550 Main StreetCincinnati, Ohio 45202(513) 421-4310

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 3005

(317) 639-3301

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 1553FOB 100 West Capitol StreetJackson, Mississippi 39269(601) 948-5000

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 2007820 Arlington ExpresswayJacksonville, Florida 32211(904) 721-1211

Federal Bureau of Investigation1300 SummitKansas City, Missouri64105-1362(816) 512-8200

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 600John J. Duncan FOB

710 Locust StreetKnoxville, Tennessee 37902(423) 544-0751

Federal Bureau of Investigation700 East Charleston BoulevardLas Vegas, Nevada 89104(702) 385-1281

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 200Two Financial Centre10825 Financial Centre ParkwayLittle Rock, Arkansas 72211-3552

(501) 221-9100

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 1700 FOB11000 Wilshire BoulevardLos Angeles, California 90024(310) 477-6565

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 500600 Martin Luther King Jr. PlaceLouisville, Kentucky 40202(502) 583-3941

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 3000Eagle Crest Bldg.225 North Humphreys Blvd.Memphis, Tennessee 38120-2107(901) 747-4300

Federal Bureau of Investigation16320 Northwest Second AvenueNorth Miami Beach, Florida 33169(305) 944-9101

(757) 455-0100

Federal Bureau of Investigation3301 West Memorial Drive50 Penn PlaceOklahoma City, Oklahoma 73134(405) 290-7770

Federal Bureau of Investigation10755 Burt StreetOmaha, Nebraska 68114(402) 493-8688

Federal Bureau of Investigation8th. FloorWilliam J. Green Jr. FOB600 Arch StreetPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania 19106(215) 418-4000

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 400201 East Indianola Avenue

Phoenix, Arizona 85012(602) 279-5511

Federal Bureau of Investigation U.S. Post OfficeBuilding700 Grant StreetPittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219(412) 471-2000

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 400Crown Plaza Building1500 Southwest 1st AvenuePortland, Oregon 97201

(503) 224-4181

Federal Bureau of Investigation111 Greencourt RoadRichmond, Virginia 23228(804) 261-1044

Federal Bureau of Investigation4500 Orange Grove AvenueSacramento, California 95841-4205(916) 481-9110

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 2704

L. Douglas Abram Federal Bldg.2222 Market StreetSt. Louis, Missouri 63103(314) 231-4324

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 1200257 Towers Bldg.257 East, 200 SouthSalt Lake City, Utah 84111(801) 579-1400


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Federal Office Building1240 East 9th StreetCleveland, Ohio 44199-9912(216) 522-1400

Federal Bureau of Investigation151 Westpark BoulevardColumbia, South Carolina 29201(803) 551-4200

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 3001801 North LamarDallas, Texas 75202(214) 720-2200

Federal Bureau of InvestigationFederal Office BuildingSuite 18231961 Stout Street18th. FloorDenver, Colorado 80294(303) 629-7171

Federal Bureau of Investigation26th. FloorP. V. McNamaraFOB 477Michigan AvenueDetroit, Michigan 48226(313) 965-2323

Federal Bureau of Investigation600 West Mesa700 East San Antonio AvenueEl Paso, Texas 79912-5533(915) 832-5000

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 4-230Kalanianaole FOB300 Ala Moana BoulevardHonolulu, Hawaii 96850(808) 521-1411

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 2002500 East TC JesterHouston, Texas 77008-1300(713) 693-5000

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 600330 East Kilbourn AvenueMilwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-6627(414) 276-4684

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 1100111 Washington Avenue

South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401(612) 376-3200

Federal Bureau of InvestigationOne St. Louis Centre1 St. Louis Street3rd. FloorMobile, Alabama 36602(334) 438-3674

Federal Bureau of Investigation1 Gateway Center22nd FloorNewark, New Jersey 07102-9889

(973) 622-5613

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 535, FOB150 Court StreetNew Haven, Connecticut 06510(203) 777-6311

2901 Leon C. Simon Boulevard1250 Poydras StreetNew Orleans, Louisiana 70126-1061(504) 816-3000

Federal Bureau of Investigation

26 Federal Plaza23rd. FloorNew York, New York 10278(212) 384-1000

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 200U.S. Post Office Courthouse Bldg.615 East Houston StreetSan Antonio, Texas 78205(210) 225-6741

Federal Bureau of InvestigationFederal Office Building

9797 Aero DriveSan Diego, California 92123-1800(619) 565-1255

Federal Bureau of Investigation450 Golden Gate Avenue13th. FloorSan Francisco, California 94102-9523(415) 553-7400

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 526, U.S. Federal Bldg150 Carlos Chardon AvenueHato Rey San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918-1716

(787) 754-6000

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 710915 Second AvenueSeattle, Washington 98174-1096(206) 622-0460

Federal Bureau of InvestigationSuite 400400 West Monroe StreetSpringfield, Illinois 62704(217) 522-9675

Federal Bureau of InvestigationRoom 610, FOB500 Zack StreetTampa, Florida 33602(813) 273-4566

Federal Bureau of InvestigationWashington Metropolitan Field Office601 4th Street, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20535-0002(202) 278-2000

how to obtain and decypher ur fbi file

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