Frequently Asked Questions of the CIA
We Are Often Asked . . .

What is so distinctive about the Central Intelligence Agency?

The CIA is purely a foreign intelligence organization and has no domestic security or law enforcement duties. The Agency's
activities are governed by various statutes and Executive Orders and are overseen by Congressional Committees and executive
 bodies.

Who works for the Central Intelligence Agency?

CIA carefully selects well-qualified people in nearly all fields of study. Scientists, engineers, economists, linguists,
mathematicians, secretaries, and computer specialists are but a few of the disciplines continually in demand. Some are
specialists-physical and social scientists, doctors of medicine, lawyers, etc. Many are generalists, people who have demonstrated
their qualifications to hold the many varied positions that make up the bulk of the domestic and overseas staffs. The Agency
promotes equal employment opportunity for all employees including women, members of minority groups and individuals with
disabilities.

How many people work for the Central Intelligence Agency and what
is its budget?

Neither the number of employees nor the size of the Agency's budget can at present be publicly disclosed. A common
misconception is that the Agency has an unlimited budget, which is far from true. While classified, the budget and size of the CIA
are known in detail and scrutinized daily by the Office of Management and Budget and by the Intelligence Oversight and Defense
Subcommittees of the Appropriations Committees in both houses of Congress. The resources allocated to intelligence are subject
to the same rigorous examination and approval process as are all other government organizations.

Does the Central Intelligence Agency give tours of its headquarters
buildings?

No. Logistical problems and security considerations prevent public tours.

Does the Central Intelligence Agency release publications to the
 public?

CIA occasionally issues unclassified publications which provide additional research aids to the academic and business
communities. The majority of these reports contain foreign or international economic and political information or are directories of
foreign officials. They are available from the Government Printing Office, the National Technical Information Service, and the Library
of Congress (see page 37). CIA cannot, however, release most of its reports because they are derived from sensitive sources. For
additional information, contact the Office of Public and Agency Information, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C. 20505;
(703) 351-2053.

Does the CIA spy on Americans? Does it keep a file on me?

No. The Central Intelligence Agency is expressly prohibited by Executive Order from routinely engaging in the domestic use of
such techniques as electronic, mail, or physical surveillance; monitoring devices; or unconsented physical search. Such intrusion
into the lives of Americans by any Government agency could take place only under the most extraordinary conditions of concern
for the national welfare and, even then, only when approved by the Attorney General. Similarly, CIA does not maintain files on
American citizens. Names of U.S. citizens may appear in various records as a consequence of routine business they conduct with
 the CIA, but they are in no way segregated for surveillance or special attention. Any citizen has the right to confirm this fact under
the authority of the Privacy Act.

Who decides when CIA should participate in covert actions, and
 why?

Only the President can direct CIA to undertake a covert action. Such actions usually are recommended by the National Security
Council. Covert actions are considered when the National Security Council judges that U.S. foreign policy objectives may not be
 fully realized by normal diplomatic means and when military action is deemed too extreme an option. Therefore, the Agency may
be directed to conduct a special activity abroad in support of foreign policy such that the role of the U.S. Government is neither
apparent nor publicly acknowledged. Once tasked, the Director of Central Intelligence must notify the intelligence oversight
committees of the Congress.

Does the Central Intelligence Agency engage in assassinations?

Executive Order No. 12333 explicitly prohibits the Central Intelligence Agency from engaging, either directly or indirectly, in
assassinations. Internal safeguards and the Congressional oversight process assure compliance.

Does the Central Intelligence Agency engage in drug trafficking?

No. To the contrary, the Central Intelligence Agency assists the U.S. Government effort to thwart drug trafficking by providing
intelligence information to the Department of Commerce, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the State Department.

What is the Central Intelligence Agency's role in combatting
international terrorism?

The Central Intelligence Agency supports the overall U.S. Government effort to combat international terrorism by collecting,
analyzing, and disseminating intelligence on foreign terrorist groups and individuals. It also conducts liaison with the intelligence
and security services of friendly governments, shares counterterrorism intelligence information with, and, on request, provides
advice and training to these services. The Agency's counterterrorism specialists participate actively in developing strategies aimed
at combatting terrorism, and intelligence resources worldwide provide significant support to U.S. efforts to solve this grave problem.