Integrating Intelligence and Operations
The
FBI is both a law enforcement and an intelligence agency. Our mission
is to protect and defend the U.S. against terrorist and foreign intelligence
threats; to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of the United States;
and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal,
state, municipal, and international agencies and partners.
Intelligence
is the tool we use to help focus and strengthen our law enforcement,
counterterrorism, and counterintelligence missions. We employ
a number of other core tools as well, including investigative
techniques, forensics, information technologies, and strategic
partnerships.
As a core tool,
intelligence is an integral part of FBI operations. It is embedded
in our day-to-day work, from the initiation of law enforcement
investigations to the development of long-term threat assessments
that guide our strategic planning. Our ability to integrate intelligence
into every component of the FBI gives us the ability to protect
our national security.
The FBI has
a mandate from Congress, the President, the Attorney General,
and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to protect national
security by producing intelligence in support of its own investigative
mission, national intelligence priorities, and the needs of other
customers.
For an example
of how we blend investigations and intelligence, see the Case
of the Terrorist Financier and Foiled Assassination Plot.