After World War II, President Truman recognized the need for a centralized intelligence organization. He signed the National Security Act in 1947 establishing the CIA. It is the successor of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) formed during the war to coordinate espionage activities between the branches of the military.
It’s main function is to coordinate, evaluate, and disperse intelligence affecting national security. It has sole jurisdiction in the investigation of foreign entities. CIA analysts only report the information and do not make policy recommendations.
The CIA is not a law enforcement agency and has “no police or law enforcement functions, either at home or abroad”. The Director of the CIA is nominated by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The US Congress has had oversight responsibility since it was formed - but the 1980 Intelligence Oversight Act officially charged the Congress with authorizing the programs.
Because the CIA is not a government agency and its function is to compile information solely on foreign agents, the CIA, in its investigations, does not have to adhere to the Bill of Rights and other rights specified in the US Constitution. These designated rights are only for US Citizens. Therefore, the CIA can use any methods to obtain information - although International Law may apply.
The CIA is separated into four basic components: The National Clandestine Service, the Directorate of Intelligence, the Directorate of Science & Technology, and the Directorate of Support.
An issue of national security concern is identified and a way to collect the information is determined. After the information is collected, intelligence analysts pull together all the relevant information and assess what is happening, why it is happening, what might occur next, and what it means for US interests. This assessment is always free of any political bias and, after analysis, is provided to the appropriate Executive department.
Should, in an investigation, it is discovered that an American citizen appears to be involved in an activity against the US - such as terrorism, this information must be forwarded to the appropriate department in the Executive Branch. The rights of the US citizen immediately “kicks in”. The CIA is not authorized to investigate this individual.
Depending on the type of activity, this discovery would probably be sent to one or more of these agencies: the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, the State Department, or the Department of Homeland Security. Because it is a US citizen, all rights designated in the Constitution and procedural due process (if placed under arrest) must be adhered to.
The Mission Statement of the CIA:
We are the nation’s first line of defense. We accomplish what others cannot accomplish and go where others cannot go. We carry out our mission by:
Collecting information that reveals the plans, intentions and capabilities of our adversaries and provides the basis for decision and action.
Producing timely analysis that provides insight, warning and opportunity to the President and decision-makers charged with protecting and advancing America’s interests.
Conducting covert action at the direction of the President to preempt threats or achieve US policy objectives.
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