Changes to FBI Guidelines

In the wake of political spying abuses documented by the Church Committee in the mid 1970s, the Attorney General set guidelines that governed FBI investigations. These guidelines were first introduced in 1976 by Attorney General Edward Levi, and were later changed by Attorney General William French Smith in 1983 and again in 1989 by Attorney General Richard Thornburgh.

• Read the Levi-Smith guidelines on foreign intelligence and international terrorism investigations (1989)
• Read the Levi-Smith guidelines on domestic crimes (1989) (addendum to 1989 regs)

The guidelines carefully outline when the FBI may open investigations of individuals and groups and were originally intended to prevent the FBI from spying on lawful political and religious activities and groups.

After September 11 AG Ashcroft weakened the protections against abuse in the guidelines.

Click here for more information about AG Ashcroft's changes to the guidelines.