Crime

Can FBI Now Investigate Based on a Hunch?

The NY Times today is reporting on a slew of enhancements to the FBI’s operating guidelines that essentially lower the threshold for early stage investigation tools. The FBI will be able to expand its usage of certain techniques and procedures, including polygraph exams, database searches, and the deployment of surveillance teams. The Atlantic gives a good overview of the new operating procedures.

Can FBI Now Investigate Based on a Hunch?

The FBI is claiming, as in this Fox News story, that the changes are minor alterations based on feedback from agents in the field.  With the specter of lone wolf terrorism and domestic radicalization as a constant backdrop, many Americans remain likely to defer to the experts on security matters.

Already, there is strong unease among privacy advocates on the possibilities for abuse and overreach resulting from the changes. In this clip below, Catherine Herridge lays out some of the concerns:

At some point, Americans will realize that trading privacy for marginally better security is not a good deal. While the changes to the Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide are minor, they could prove problematic in a climate of continued government expansion in the name of security.

Comments (81)

  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 2:21am

    Hear that? Its Another brick in the Wall being pulled out ever so carefully regarding our civil rights.

    They are getting ready because they can see the country melting down just like we can and more so. They want to head it off and ease the mayhem just a bit maybe through the ultimate confiscation of law abiding, gun owning citizens weapons. (((Hands off my Howitzer)))

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • Workforit
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 2:05am

    Oh please… The FBI couldn’t find its @ss with both hands tied behind its back. All this lone wolf, small cell garbage is just like the TSA frisking babies for explosives.

    Get ready folks to have un-invited dinner guests… Someone is gonna fart, lift the wrong leg and an FBI swat team will be there to arrest Uncle Larry for cousin Jacks wrong choice of leg lift.

    Larry will spend the rest of his life in jail for Jacks global warming gas creation… That’s your lone wolf, That is the FBI… Makes you just throw up a little bit in your mouth now doesn’t it.

    Nobama 2012!

    Report Post »  
  • Mr. Oshawott
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:31am

    Yes…I’m having a feeling that Martial Law may not be that far away…
    Which reminds me…
    Then-Presidential candidate Barack Obama‘s claim of advocating a militia that’s more well-funded and more well-armed than the military…
    Then there’s his capitalizing on George W. Bush’s infamous “Patriot” Act, despite claiming his opposition towards it…
    And then there are the unions…or, shall I say…police unions…
    Folks, I REALLY don’t like where this is going…

    Report Post » Mr. Oshawott  
    • saviorammo
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:03am

      Please don‘t forget RTZ’s or Regional Trade Zones. Which will be occupied and under the authority of foreign governments. Mainly the ******. And in States such as Idaho and Montana. What the hell are they gonna trade for? Potatos and Wheat?

      They will have plenty of infantry to put little blue hemuts on to deal with the Domestic Terrorists, such as Randy Weaver and the like.

      I still say, they are severely underestimating their adversary. Hubris, will always get you killed.

      A well placed tomahawk in Switzerland right now could really throw a monkey wrench into their planning.

      Be vigilant and hopefully, be prepared. End Game is upon us!

      Report Post »  
  • MaddieT
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:28am

    Nothing could be worse than this, it stands to reason they would do that, investigate on a hunch, so what are we doing about it? anything? no so they will do whateever they can get away with. You want to fly ot get to Florida ? so you let them put their filthy hands down your pants, what kind of people would even want to do this job? What kind of people would let them? I own‘t fly and if they do this to the busses and trains then I’ll drive, no stranger is going to touch my privates , I dont’ know where that hand ahas been.Now they can come inot your home and search? wht happen ot your home being your castle, your sanctuary? you might as well liv in th estreet, for Gods sakes say no, all of you, just say no or don’t fly . what mother is going ot let them pt down baby in her arms? it woudln’t be me.

    Report Post » MaddieT  
  • saviorammo
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:16am

    FBI was founded under Executive order. They were not to carry guns and to be subserviant to State’s authority. Same with the EPA, FDA,etc, etc.

    All Executive orders need to be revoked. All local authority must state emphaticly that they will not tolerate FED intervention in their business. And that well trained local militias will back their play. Legal under State and Fed Constitutions.

    Folks, we have a duty under the Declaration of Independence to resist tyranny such as this. They are robbing us blind, killing our citizens, and enslaving our children. What more needs to happen before you all have had enough?

    I swear to you all and the Lord Almighty, that I will gladly sacrafice it all, than be a slave to this commie, ******, eletist, EVIL filth.

    Live Free or Die! That used to mean something.

    Report Post »  
    • fixer
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 7:36am

      The Tree of Liberty is wayyyy past due for some watering!

      Report Post »  
  • rienheart
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:00am

    Americans don’t deserve Crap, We surrendered Our rights long ago. A few of us have been vigilent but the rest of us are still asleep and have no chance of waking up. They are so used to sucking at the Teat of Government Largess that they could not survive on their own, so they will vote for Communism and live in Slavery just so they get their Govenment check and food credit card every month. Obama will be voted in by the “people” who depend on the Government to support them. When the Teat runs “Dry” There will be Hell to pay. For Obama.

    Report Post »  
  • lildeb56
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:37pm

    I am so sad for my country. Thank you, President Obama.

    Report Post » lildeb56  
  • v12tommy
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:37pm

    While I don’t like giving up more freedoms, I would much rather give up some freedoms to the FBI than to the TSA. Unlike the TSA, the FBI has actually caught terrorists and foiled plots.

    Report Post » v12tommy  
  • psst
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:27pm

    Hmm. I’ve got a Hunch.
    Wish I never had it.
    Gotta git outa here.Pronto/ASAP/Arriba Arriba Andale Andale.

    Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:34pm

      “Honest officer, I don’t know who put that Coral Snake in my trash can.”

      Report Post »  
    • Texas Grasshopper
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 2:23pm

      ya know ..the blaze censored my post and I thought it was kinds funny …something about raccoons in the trash cans …the editer obviously doesnt live in Texas …Racoons are thick down here

      Report Post »  
  • EL ZORRO
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:13pm

    What remains to be seen is if the F.B.I will have the degree of independece, corage and integrity needed to investigate, Obama’s FORGERY of the long form birth certificate, his FRAUDULENT social security, his FALSE history of Yale years, his ADOPTION AND NAME CHANGE, his relation with communist agitators and muslin association, his presidencial campaing donations, all the constitutional violations, and those who participate in perpetrating thus fraud against the American people.
    EL ZORRO

    Report Post »  
    • Akbarjonnie Shaheed
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 12:31am

      The future of America will depend on those that will not let America be taken down from the inside. They will be the heros of tommorrow. They are in place and know what they have to do to accomplish to mission of keeping American values and constitutional govt in place for the Republic.

      De Oppresso Liber

      Report Post »  
  • chips1
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:13pm

    Sounds like they are just getting their ducks in a row so they can go after BO’s E-MAIL and sexting messages to Janet and Nancy.

    Report Post »  
  • Captain Crunch
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:04pm

    The question is not “would you die for your freedom?”, but rather, “would you kill for your freedom?”
    I’m sure many of you have seen this film, but I’m still impressed with it everytime I see it.

    “Watering the Tree of Liberty”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i88XsRQTtE8&feature=youtu.be&t=2m34s

    Report Post »  
  • christianUSA
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:00pm

    It seems the citizen FBI agents either can not see or understand that their own actions and increase of power to ignore long held protection rights actually endanger our free US and march to tyranny

    Report Post »  
    • mount hood
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:17am

      Oh please. The year I retired from the FBI there were eighty six thousand qualified applicants for one thousand replacement positions. The only thing standing between disaster and you are the proud men and women of our security services, the FBI included. The next time someone kidnaps your kid try calling some of these clowns here putting the Bureau down. See where that gets you. The men and women of the FBI are proud patriots who serve you every day without so much as a thank you from ingrates. They are on call 365 days a year, 24hours a day, and they respond each and every time with dedication and pride. Fidelity, Bravery, and Interigity! God bless each and every one of them.

      Report Post »  
    • Texas Grasshopper
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 8:50am

      @ Hood

      I thank you and many for your Service to our great Nation. The point is not that Americans do not need or want Security Forces. From the beginning of time there has always been the need for Security. The point is that in this time there is a deviation from the great experiment here in America. Our Consitution is in jeopardy on many levels. You say you are Retired …..in the new guard Men may not support the same values that you and your fellow agants have had. It behooves us ..and you to remain vigilant in our desire to reamain free .

      have you never seen a bad cop ? have you never seen an instance where liberty here was threatened
      to support the end result ? Do you see the Cameras everywhere ? Do you see the increase of laws of all flavors and colors ? Do you see the the change of goverment that used to support Individual Rights from God that now support the responsibility to protect ?
      Americans are pushing back agianst authority becasue ..Authorities are taking the ability away from the individual and making choices for the Individual? Just think incandesant lightbulbs and the Dept of Education SWAT team .What about health care . …If the FBI and other 3 letter Agency were worries about forienger hurting americans we would be happy with that . But they are NOT …Please reconfirm your Oath to the Consitution and talk to other LEO’s about the Constitution

      Report Post »  
    • Texas Grasshopper
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:01am

      ya know Hood ..I read your post agian and I got a little ticked off …you attack someone else because of CURRENT Polictical interference with legit American law enforcment Concepts ….really a hunch ? I dont like the change in Policy ! I would a Federal agency to help with Kidnapping but if you had probable cause to search a garbage can isnt thank enough ? ..no now all ya need is a hunch ? if the three letter agency want my support ..stay out of my trash ..stay off my property and leave me alone . By the way I am ex LEO and a law abiding citizen but I sure as hell support any LEO able to search on a hunch …that works out so well in Indiana doensnt it …Cops can go into your Home without casue ( on a hunch ) do you live in Indiana ? How do you think you and your family would feel about the Police busting in your house on a hunch at 11 pm ? Just asking ….you probally wouldnt like it much . I am staarting to be glad you are retired .

      Report Post »  
    • R. Wirz von Urikon
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 7:40pm

      Robin Hood.
      Yes, you are correct in writing what you did. Please understand that there is this notion going around that the liberal elites are using your illustrious organization to intimidate other patriots. Hillary’s FBI files on her desk comes to mind. Remember that? There was also WACO and Ruby Ridge, where a demorat administration oversaw the killings of innocents. Please understand that there are those who have suspicions about your colleagues and their ideologies. Some of which are crypto-libs and will sell this country down the river for the pleasure of their liberal masters.

      Report Post »  
  • mossbrain
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:49pm

    Just the other week the cops used a “psychics” advice to search for bodies on that Texas mans home, turned up absolutely nothing.

    2 days ago day I had 8 government cars blockading my car in the forest. Why? Because I drive an old Honda Civic that looks like something a homeless person would be living out of, instead of a truck or SUV, and I’m hiking through the forest off trail 3 or 4 days a week. I’m used to being followed by government vehicles. I leave my windows down and the doors unlocked and the key on the seat to accommodate their searches. I just sat up on a hill and watched until they left. They’re just doing their job. If you were getting paid $100,000 a year with a full pay pension when you reached 55 years old would you jeopardize your job? Hell no neither would I. I’d do whatever the bossman told me to do. Seriously, it is so easy to collect information and store it in computers that everything you do will soon be storehoused in computers. How many cameras do you think are recording you, and everybody else, as you drive down the street, as you walk into a store? Privacy, ha, what a quaint term used in the olden days.

    Report Post » mossbrain  
  • Table Crumb
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:42pm

    They traveled to a far and a distant land in search of freedom. They found it and they cherished and were willing to share it. It was attacked in it’s early stage of true life almost liken to an attempted abortion but it failed because the defenders of it; with courage, with bravery, with honor and conviction, fought and laid down their lives for it with a “firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence”. They were blessed with victory and knew they it and refused to ever forget til their dying day the blessing which they received. Knowing the freedom they had was very fragile and vulnerable in it’s infancy to preys wanting to dismember it at any given opportunity they were given; he defenders kept a close gaurd over it and provided it with unwaivering security against any threat to it, wether foreign or domestic. Now where are the guardians of it? We are now ready to sacrafice this blameless blessing for a little peace or security. Peace and security, and so they say. Not everyone is willing to sacrifice the presence of it’s original gaurdians will once again rise from the grave to watch-over it. And all those who rise up to stand and protect this blessing will know the presence of the original guardians around them and within them. We will see the battlefield with their eyes. We will not waiver nor stand down in our fight to secure our inalienable rights. Some wants it sacrificed. We will honor the defenders of it and continue on in their footsteps….

    Report Post »  
  • crichton
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:34pm

    Let’s see if I got this correct. Obama lowered the threshold on what the FBI can investigate against US citizens but raised the terms of engagement for our troops fighting against people who want us dead.

    Report Post »  
  • Texas Grasshopper
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:30pm

    seriously folks ….who says they have the power to do that ? themselves …?

    Report Post »  
  • Texas Grasshopper
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:27pm

    http://www.thedailybell.com/2491/Next-False-Flag-to-Be-Cyber.html

    Next False Flag to Be Cyber?
    Monday, June 13, 2011 – by Staff Report

    Leon PanettaHe [Leon Panetta] also testified at the hearing on the defense budget. “The days of large growth, unlimited defense budgets are over. “Our challenge will be to design budgets that eliminate wasteful and duplicative spending while protecting those core elements that we absolutely need for our nation’s defense.“ He later said ”the next Pearl Harbor that we face could well be a cyber attack“ and that ”we are no longer in the cold war, more like the blizzard war.” If confirmed, Mr. Panetta, will be the 23rd U.S. Defense Secretary. – CSpan

    Report Post »  
  • Glenn is my hero
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:25pm

    The dictator wants this. We are quickly becoming more and more of a police state. Obama’s dad is Malcom X who was the minister of the Nation of Islam. Oh, and Obumbler will allow amnesty and bingo! he’ll be re-elected and America will be forever gone!

    Report Post » Glenn is my hero  
  • thomas242007
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:23pm

    Whats next gulags for anti obama people?

    Report Post » thomas242007  
  • Texas Grasshopper
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:23pm

    John Adams
    July 1, 1776
    “Before God, I believe the hour has come. My judgement approves this measure, and my whole heart is in it. All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it. And I leave off as I began, that live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment. Independence now, and Independence for ever!”

    Report Post »  
  • I.Gaspar
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:18pm

    We live under tyrants.
    Let’s hope there is still a chance to reverse the course in 2012…

    Report Post »  
  • AmericanStrega
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:08pm

    Here is comes. Hold on to your butts people.

    Report Post »  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:50pm

      When you wage war without declaring war on a country but a tactic “terrorissm’” and out of fear and hatred allow torture ,indefinite detention without due process, preemptive invasions, asassinations etc, its not surprising that the term “terrorist” can and will be expanded to include any “enemy”[person who is perceived as jeopordizing the governments' agenda] of the government who has now been given powers over the citizens [no more by and for the people],by the citizens themselves who were manipulated with hatred and fear [of Muslims]to surrender everything they professed to believe made america more then just another nationalist state but a value system.In other words the cliche;first they came for “them” and i was good with it,then…

      Report Post »  
  • TheGreyPiper
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:06pm

    I hate to say it, since I have taken the trouble to defend waterboarding etc. in the past, we really need to ask if “enhanced interrogation” overseas is part of a direct chain to “enhanced investigation” here.

    Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:15pm

      It depends on who the government thinks is their enemy.
      For Bush it was alqaeda and jihadies all over the world.
      For Hussein , it is WE The People .

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:20pm

      @The Grey Piper:

      Unfortunatly I feel there is the very good chance for it to happen, say if one agent or organization feels the need for ‘information – of most urgent case (insert reason or suspision here)…’

      Or they may just use it as a pretext to enter a house with guns blazing against enemies of the state, yet they have already, it looks like, started doing that anyway. (In reference to a marine killed here in AZ not to long ago, and for a father held by police for six hours over an ex wifes unpaid school loan)

      For myself, I will stand and wage a war of peacefull opposition, like MLK did and Ghandi; and if the price I have to pay is set by God to be the final one, to wake this nation up, so be it.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:13pm

      I have heard there is a way to be trained to resist the effects of waterboarding. If anyone knows of a website or other info about that please reply.

      Report Post »  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:04pm

    We surrendered our freedoms a long time ago and now the government is just taking what little we have left. We asked the government to take care of us on everything and now we have nothing!!

    Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:09pm

      Already, there is strong unease among privacy advocates on the possibilities for abuse and overreach resulting from the changes.
      ——————
      Strong unease ? Really ?
      So why are they not on the streets with Obama=Hitler signs ?

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:16pm

      So how soon will the vans show up at my doorstep and knock it down with guns blazing due to the stand I take against the Progressives and the POTUS?

      If anyone thinks that the FBI is searching their garbage a tip that might work:

      Load it up with rotton cabbage and such organic vegtable matter that will stink to the high heavens when left outside for a few days to ferment.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:22pm

      “Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.” – Benjamin Franklin

      Report Post »  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:27pm

      They better have a warrant or face my banging Dog!!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Uncurable wound
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:30pm

      Sunshine Lolliepops,rainbows everywhere!
      Everything is beautiful and Im so Happy!

      Report Post »  
    • Exrepublisheep
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:33pm

      Republicans and the patriot act. Where did anyone THINK that would lead?

      Report Post » Exrepublisheep  
    • booger71
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:41pm

      Exrepublisheep
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:33pm

      Republicans and the patriot act. Where did anyone THINK that would lead?

      The libs had a veto proof majority from 06-10. Could have gotten rid of it anytime. But they were too busy not fufulling their Constitutional requirement of passing a budget.

      Report Post » booger71  
    • Sinista MACE
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:41pm

      I told you.

      They’re coming.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Cold War Vet
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:42pm

      @ EXREPUBLISHEEP

      Democrats and communism. Where do YOU think that’s leading?

      Report Post » Cold War Vet  
    • jzs
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:50pm

      Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks} – it’s only a matter of time before the Feds show up at your doorstep. Be afraid. They’ve tracked you down through this website, know where you live, and know you’re an enemy of the State. That President Obama has set up so called “FEMA camps” is common knowledge. And you will probably be among the first to go there. My advice? Arm yourself to the teeth.

      Of course the FBI is saying this is to catch terrorists before the blow up a mall or kill hundreds of people with easily obtainable automatic weapons. But we know that Obama loves terrorists being a terrorist himself, and the fact that he’s killing them only proves that. He’s trying to cover up his love for them by killing them.

      Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}, hunker down, store food and water and obtain whatever you need to fend off an attack, one that is surely coming to you because you are conservative. Take solace in the fact that God is on your side against this evil government who would provide for the poor, but only so that they can rule the world.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:53pm

      My first thought
      Sinista’s Head is going to explode

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:55pm

      @Snowleopard

      I‘ve mixed my dog’s dodo as a deterent in the past. Best thing to do is burn all your Top Secret junk mail in a wood burner. Spraying pepper/mace in the bag of junk mail is effective too. Oil based and doesnt dissipate quickly. Imagination is a wonderful thing!

      Report Post »  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 10:56pm

      Goody! Go investigate Bill Ayers, Michael Moore, Robert Redford, Jennene the Crapalo and your president. I have a hunch they are all commies!!!

      Freedom will ring again. Looks like we will have to take it back by force…Come get me you B@stards! Your Gestapo does not scare me…

      Report Post »  
    • psst
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:17pm

      @Dusty who said:Goody! Go investigate Bill Ayers, Michael Moore, Robert Redford, Jennene the Crapalo and your president. I have a hunch they are all commies!!!.
      —–
      Those names you mentioned are off limits. Fact o da matter is, they are not interested in communists.One can find those anywhere, even in the WH.the MSM, the unions,the dems. Oops sorry about that one,(dems) I forgot to remember I included those already when I said communists.
      These ilks are breeding faster than hordes of illegal invaders invading by the millions..

      Report Post »  
    • OlefromMN
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:19pm

      This explains the black helicopters that hover over my house daily.

      Report Post » OlefromMN  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:25pm

      @exrepublisheep – It was OBAMA who ASKED for these extended powers. Do a little fact checking and a little less regurgitation of the one-line ‘zingers’ you lift off of mediocre matters and huffnpuff post.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • ManThong
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:26pm

      “Investigate Based on a Hunch”

      Except if you fit the profile and look like a terrorist.

      Report Post » ManThong  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on June 13, 2011 at 11:30pm

      I think they need to investigate JZS for trying to mess with peoples head. What’s your IP address there JZS? I’m sure you can be bumped up toward the top of that list. ;)

      Report Post »  
    • Flagwaver
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:58am

      They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.

      Report Post » Flagwaver  
    • old white guy
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:34am

      i have a hunch that there will be extreme violence in the near future all courtesy of the fbi and other government groups.

      Report Post »  
    • old white guy
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:36am

      what security you do have is undercut by allowing muslims to come to the u.s.and be citizens. the dumbest thing that all western countries have done in my lifetime is to accept islamic immigration.

      Report Post »  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 1:24pm

      Sort of a,,,,,,,we‘ll keep digging until we find ’SOMETHING’ type of thing?

      Report Post »  
    • DisillusionedDaily
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 5:02pm

      Article 4 of the Constitution has now been rendered ineffective and will no longer matter. The rights of Americans are under attack. The Americans are losing!

      Report Post » DisillusionedDaily  

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