Guidelines Regarding Disclosure to the Director of Central Intelligence and Homeland Security Officials of Foreign Intelligence Acquired in the Course of a Criminal Investigation

• NCJ Number: 198885
• Author(s): John Ashcroft
• Date Published: September 2002
• Length: 7 pages
• Corporate Author: US Attorney General
• Sale Source: US Attorney General
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Policy/Procedure Handbook/Manual
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded January 31, 2003.

Annotation

This memorandum from John Ashcroft, U.S. Attorney General, presents guidelines for information sharing among various Federal agencies in the face of terrorism.

Abstract

Following a brief background discussion of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001, Mr. Ashcroft presents the 12 primary guidelines concerning information sharing between the Central Intelligence Agency and the Homeland Security Offices. This memorandum notes that the guidelines apply to all elements of the Department of Justice having criminal investigative or prosecutorial responsibilities, and indicates that law enforcement information is subject to mandatory disclosure and that Federal law enforcement agencies will develop a training curriculum and program to ensure that law enforcement officials receive sufficient training to identify foreign intelligence. Discussing the various entities to whom disclosure must be made, the memorandum presents the methods for disclosure, focusing on terrorism and weapons of mass destruction information. Following a discussion of the process for requesting additional information and amplifying initial disclosure, the memorandum describes disclosure of grand jury and electronic, wire, and oral interception information guidelines. Detailing information use restrictions, this report presents the U.S. Attorney General’s exceptions to mandatory disclosure requirements. A brief discussion of the responsibilities of the Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division as the administering agent of these guidelines is followed by a statement that indicates that these procedures are not intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits against the United States or any other person.