COUNTERINTELLIGENCE INVESTIGATIONS

Counterintelligence (CI) investigations are conducted to prove or disprove an allegation of espionage or other intelligence activities, such as sabotage, assassination, or other national security crimes conducted by or on behalf of a foreign government, organization, or person or international terrorists. CI investigations may establish the elements of proof for prosecution or administrative actions, provide a basis for CI operations, or validate the suitability of personnel for access to classified information. CI investigations are conducted against individuals or groups for committing major security violations, as well as failure to follow Defense agency and Military Service directives governing reporting contacts with foreign citizens and out-of-channel requests for defense information. CI investigations provide military commanders and policymakers with information used to eliminate security vulnerabilities and otherwise improve the security posture of threatened interests. See also counterintelligence; espionage; sabotage.