FBI Training Doc Said Agents Could ‘Bend or Suspend the Law and Impinge Upon the Freedom of Others’
- Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:27pm by
Liz Klimas
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(Photo: FBI.gov)
A counterterrorism training document for Federal Bureau of Investigation agents about wiretapping read that “under some circumstances, the FBI has the ability to bend or suspend the law and impinge upon the freedom of others.” This document, revealed by Wired, has already been removed by the agency for being giving “imprecise” instruction.
Wired’s Danger Room reports that it had obtained a letter from Sen. Richard Durbin, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee overseeing the FBI, to FBI Director Robert Mueller referencing this questionable allowance, after the agency’s six-month internal review of counterterrorism training documents. When Wired asked to see the original document, the request was initially refused by the Bureau. Shortly thereafter it was handed over, but Wired notes the spokesperson “refused to say who prepared the document; how long it was in circulation; and how many FBI agents, analysts and officials received its instruction.”
Image of undated training document obtained by Wired.
This is just one of the many “disturbing” practices revealed in the training of agents in counterterrorism. Wired reports that this document, along with “hundreds” of other pages were taken out of 160,000 pages of training material reviewed due to “‘imprecision’; inaccuracy; reliance on racial, ethnic or religious stereotypes; or conflating illegal behavior with constitutionally protected activities.”
In a separate post, Wired noted some of these practices mentioned in training documents:
A sample of that possibly harmful training comes from a document on “Establishing Relationships,” which instructed: “Never attempt to shake hands with an Asian. Never stare at an Asian. Never try to speak to an Arab female prior to approaching the Arab male first.”
Another document, titled “Control and Temper,” contrasted the “Western Mind” with that of the “Arab World.” The “Western” mind possessed an “even keel” and “outbursts” of emotion were “exceptional.” In the “Arab World,” by contrast, “Outburst and Loss of Control [is] Expected.” A bullet point below asked, “What’s wrong with frequent Jekyll & Hyde temper tantrums?”
Wired reports with the review complete and some of the “instructional material” considered “inappropriate” removed, no disciplinary action has been prescribed nor any mandated retraining for agents. In the letter from Durbin to Mueller, Durbin called for discipline and retraining:
“If the FBI does not identify agents who received inaccurate information and take steps to retrain them, there is a real risk that agents will be operating on false assumptions about Arab Americans and American Muslims,” Durbin wrote to Mueller. “This could harm counterterrorism efforts by leading FBI agents to target individuals based on their religion or ethnicity, rather than suspicion of wrongdoing.”
Wired reported legal experts having qualms with the findings and action being taken — or lack thereof — as well:
“Dismissing this statement as ‘imprecise’ is a rather unsatisfying response given the very precise lines Congress and the courts have repeatedly drawn between what is and is not permissible, even in counterterrorism cases, over the past decade,” Steve Vladeck, a national-security law professor at American University, says. “It might technically be true that the FBI has certain authorities when conducting counterterrorism investigations that the Constitution otherwise forbids, but that’s good only so far as it goes.”
FBI spokesman Christopher Allen told Wired that of the 160,000 pages reviewed, less than 1 percent “contained factually inaccurate or imprecise information or used stereotypes.” He did acknowledge that mistakes were made and are now being corrected. Allen implied the Bureau would be instituting a “centralized” process for review and validation of training materials so “this does not happen again.”
In a statement released after its internal review process of the materials, FBI said its training “must conform to constitutional principles and adhere to the FBI’s core values.“ It said that the training will ”clearly distinguish between constitutionally protected statements and activities designed to achieve political, social, or other objectives, and violent extremism”.
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Comments (82)
Tom K
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:29pmAnd when these ill-trained agents show up to deliver an unconstitutional search and one or more are killed by the freedom-loving citizen, the remaining agents will NOT understand how this could happen. Better get back to the Constitution and fast. Eric Holder’s knuckelheads will muddy your thinking and your countrymen will take you out. Anyone BUT Obama in November.
Report Post »korbin
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:07pmOnly way to stop this madness is pick a side. Are you a sheep? or a sheep dog? is this 1932 Germany? or will it be 1776 AMERICA you can make a difference. Quit concentrating on Obama he is a cog in a huge wheel. oathkeepers.org I implore each of you to at least visit the site, read our 10 orders we WILL NOT OBEY and see if this resinates with you. We are Americans and every one of our law enforcement, Military, Congressmen, and President has taken the oath to uphold and defend our Constitution…… Are they?? NDAA see for yourself. oathkeepers.org
Report Post »SgtB
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:44pm@ Korbin, +1 on the Oathkeepers. I am a member and I took that oath in 2005 at the OKC, OK MEPS, and every time I was promoted in the subsequent 5 years of my active duty service. I will be on your side when the time comes.
Report Post »korbin
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:24pm@SGBT Right on Brother It’s people like you that will make a difference.
Report Post »hidden_lion
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 5:28pmKorbin-
Report Post »It is not enough to just disobey illegal orders, you are required(as per your oath) the prevent others from carrying out those orders you will not obey. All enemies, foreign and domestic.
lordjosh
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 6:32pmRon Paul!
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:18pmLORDJOSH who is Ron Paul?
Report Post »vincentb101st
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:25pmOk first off the basis for this conventionally unallowed way of search protocall is limited as stated in the text to special situations. This situation would be under the patriot act executed by George w. Bush gives federal government the ability to exert standard Miranda rights in the defense of the state. Were the men and women of the FBI miss informed and as a result could make a mistake butthat is assuming that our agents are stupid and don’t think the fact is many are by the book and the arrest, search is a very thick book that they all memorize before being accepted into there training program. I believe it would be fair to say that the training program was issued around 2001 or 2002 purely because that was when agents needed to be taught what the implications of the patriot act were as it had never been seen prior to 9/11.
Report Post »Wat Tyler
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:16pmREPUBLICORP:
Your corrupt gang has put the kabosh on Ron Paul, that’s for sure…But don’t laugh so smugly…You’ll get your payback in November, I can assure you.
Report Post »Captain Crunch
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 8:28pm@Wat Tyler
No….Ron Paul supporters who do and say stupid things is who did it to Ron Paul. Bunches of stupid idiots hanging from dingle berry trees…on drugs too.
Report Post »rja444
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:25pmI believe it was Ben Franklin hat said, “those that will give up liberty for security deserve neither” Frankly, I chose liberty and I wil take care of my own security.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 6:17pmThe… Rules of Engagement… are now those of 1776…
Report Post »FedUpAlready
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:12pmTake the time to listen to Judge Napolitano in the following YouTube clip. You won‘t believe the extent of the government’s abuse of power!
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=7n2m-X7OIuY
Report Post »liberalescheisskopf
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:06pmBeware of Men who wear Black…………and carry guns.
Report Post »korbin
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:10pmYou sir are now a racists. Just kidding!!
Report Post »The only way to stop this madness is pick a side. Are you a sheep? or a sheep dog? is this 1932 Germany? or will it be 1776 AMERICA you can make a difference. Quit concentrating on Obama he is a cog in a huge wheel. oathkeepers.org I implore each of you to at least visit the site, read our 10 orders we WILL NOT OBEY and see if this resinates with you. We are Americans and every one of our law enforcement, Military, Congressmen, and President has taken the oath to uphold and defend our Constitution…… Are they?? NDAA see for yourself. oathkeepers.org
GeorgeCarlinJr
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:51pmThey wouldn’t be so mis-informed about people if they didn’t alienate the public and hid behind the “thin black line”
When you treat everyone as a suspect…when you confer titles such as “civilians” in place of “citizens”…when all of your training teaches you that there are FBI agents – then everyone else, you live in a bubble. The only information you trust comes from others living in the same bubble.
Then, you have nothing but mis-information, ideas of how “they” live, how “they” think, etc..
All law enforcement would benefit more if they were a little more Andy and lot less Barney.
Report Post »korbin
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:16pmGood observation… and great post. oathkeepers.org
Report Post »SgtB
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:48pmYes, but you must remember that Andy turned out to be a communist… so personally I’d choose a better model for them to follow. I don‘t know who at the moment as I don’t know of alot of constitutional lawmen in our nation’s past, but I’m sure there must be one. If anyone knows of a good lawman that our police should emulate, please post their name and accomplishments.
Report Post »EndTheFedNOW
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:49pmI will not comply
Report Post »youdidthis
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:39pmdo not care who you are…try to take away my rights , will use deadly defense.
tired of the bs.
Report Post »SgtB
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:55pmEver seen the video of what happened to Jose Guerera? I might have had an opinion different from yours until I saw that little piece of evidence and witnessed my brother in arms, a fellow Sergeant of Marines get murdered in his own home and left to bleed to death while the swat team kept EMS from even attempting to save his life after they shot him ~50 times. His crime was being in his brother’s car when his brother got pulled over and had a roll of saran wrap in his possession. Apparently having a roll of saran wrap automatically makes you a drug dealer.
And after they were done killing this father and husband, they concluded a full search of his residence and found not one shred of drugs or incriminating evidence of illegal activity whatsoever.
If anyone, cop included tries to come into my home without my express permission, they will get a does of lead poisoning.
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:31pmThey take down one group at a time… they demonize, slander and attack. This takeover is slow and steady. All they have to do is enter your home and report it as an “investigation” and when you defend yourself, they report you as a “crazy wacko” who had 200 rounds of lethal ammunition and 3 “high powered” guns…”a high powered .22 slug, a .410 magnum and a .380 super concealed sniper killer”.
They’ll make you out as a nut and your life is done as we know it. Onto the next “crazy”…little by little. “We need to hand together or most assuredly will hang alone..” Ben Franklin.
Report Post »Wat Tyler
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:22pmMust Read:
From “Pravda” no less. They have it right on how Marxism has conducted a coup in America.
Called “Comparative analysis of Russia‘s demise in 1917 and of the USA’s now”
http://english.pravda.ru/opinion/columnists/15-03-2012/120788-demise_russia_usa-0/
Amazing!
Report Post »sillyfreshness
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:14pmI have concluded that Joesph McCarthy was right after all. Communists did infiltrate Hollywood, the (Jewish) media, academia, and even our government some 50 years ago. Now they are “in your face” about it. Back then they were Bolsheviks in the closet, but now they freely admit they are commies. In fact, now if you’re not a communist, you have to be in the closet about your democratic ways. As Jewsweek, oops, I mean Newsweek proclaimed “we’re all socialists now.” Jo McCarthy was right after all and we owe him an apology. Now the witch hunt is for anyone that believes in the Constitution. Schools teach us now that McCarthy was evil and Castro is good. Yup, our country has been taken over by Bolsheviks. They aren’t hiding anymore.
Report Post »sillyfreshness
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:28pmI looked at that link. Very informative. I liked how this line basically sums up the fall of the US. Don’t forget that the media is a co-conspirator in this treasonous act.
“Therefore in 2008 a constitutionally unqualified (not US natural born) candidate, a Marxist, an agent of influence and Moslem sympathizer, identity thief, fraud and forger Obama/Soetoro was promoted, allowed to campaign and to win the US presidency – unobstructed by even one political leader, election commission, or any other official! Unobstructed by his opponents McCain and Palin! Unobstructed by the opposition – Republican – party.”
Report Post »Bonnieblue2A
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:17pmThis is what tryanny looks like.
Vote to uphold the US Constitution. Ron Paul 2012
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:21pmWho is Ron Paul?
Report Post »Wat Tyler
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:18pmREPUBLICORP:
For certain, your corrupt gang has put the kibosh on Ron Paul..But he who laughs last laughs loudest…You’ll get your payback in November, I can assure you.
Report Post »drphil69
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:16pmBusiness as usual, the federal govt overreach is so vast that they can do pretty much anything. Remember Waco? In order to “save” the children from the “monster,” THEY KILLED ALL THE CHILDREN. How about Ruby Ridge? Did they serve a warrant? No, they sent snipers in and put a bullet in the wife’s head… “accidentally” of course….
The Soviet Union WISHES it could have put it’s people to sleep like we have.
Report Post »PIGSWILLNEVERFLY
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:34pmKent State didn’t go very well either. Shocking to see Americans shooting Americans.
Report Post »Wat Tyler
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:12amYou would really be shocked at Gettysburg.
Report Post »wolverine
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:11pmWhen they get rid of the rich, the Jews, the Catholics, guess who is left
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:21pmGive me libraty or give me death
Report Post »Wat Tyler
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 4:46am“When they get rid of the rich, the Jews, the Catholics, guess who is left?…”
Hmmmmm….The good guys?
Report Post »wolverine
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:04pmWelcome to the 4th Reich
Report Post »old white guy
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:15pmthey must really want to get their agents killed. what a foolish thing to suggest.
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:25pmWake up,Do not comply !
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:55pmWhat is that I hear? Goosesteps? A knock on my door? Papers please?
Not on my watch…
Report Post »supressorgrid
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:53pm“And when you have cut down all the laws to get at the Devil and he turns round on you, where will you hide?” Thomas Moore in A Man For all Seasons.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:52pmSo these lazy, worthless government leeches get full retirement and benefits after working only twenty years . While the population is now working into their 70s and 80s to put food on the table….and they are now stealing from future generations, to fund thes outrageous benefit packages !!!!! Fire 65% of them and watch us boom economically…. Soon the FBI will arrest any citizen who dares to question the government pay package,,,we can no longer afford to support you, Uncle Sam, you have become the Crackhead member of the family !!!!!!
Report Post »bharris0
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:51pmI suspect if enough of these criminal elements were dealt with in the most severe manner possible, the rest would take a bit more effort to stay within the confines of the constitution and the rule of law.
Not only should this be done for law enforcement, it should be done for any government employee as well, especially congress.
Report Post »BeingThere
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:48pmI wonder, wouldn’t any FBI agent who had been trained properly, immediately arrest the Obama administration and most of Congress?
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:24pmlol, yes
Report Post »FEARLESSLEADER
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:46pmLaws we don’t follow no stinking laws!!! When they round me up for being an American I hope they send me to Gitmo… That place is sweet… Good food, movies, books, and don’t forget that beautiful Island weather…
Report Post »teamarcheson
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:55pmThe FBI Has Willingly Turned Itself Into a Nazi Style Gastopo. The FBI is now as much of a threat to America as is the Russian KGB. The FBI must be dismantled by Congress and re-build into a Federal Force once more dedicated to protection the American people and enforcing the Law. The FBI has turned into a criminal agency.
Report Post »c.foster4722
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:10pmHay! FEARLESS ! Don’t forget about the new 75K sockerfield!!
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:42pm.
Report Post »“Bend or Suspend the Law”, Why does everything that has anything to do with Obama require Bending?…..
RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:29pmMostly just bending “US” over. I bet that is where that BSNBC motto “Lean Forward” comes from.
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:30pmCause he lies 2 the ppl
Report Post »Countrygirl1362
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:39pmAnd this surprises anyone?
Report Post »Mark0331
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:34pmBefore the lefties come on here spewing their rhetoric about Bush and the Patriot act…lets all remember it was Biden who wrote the Omnibus Counterterrorism Act of 1995, the blueprint for all of this. Yet libs have amnesia when it comes to that. This govt writes protocol/laws with total disregard for the Constitution. Has been for quite some time…they got caught this time and their excuse is wafer thin.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:40pmI’m sure the Gestapo in Germany, wasn’t burdened either, by having to comply with pesky laws and human rights……welcome to the police state folks….
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:49pmAs much as I dislike 0bama’s administration and I was never really happy with Bush either, but I have to venture to say that these training indiscretions were written by over zealous agents at the top of the training chain of command. Yeah, then somebody else as an over seerer signed off on it. You can’t blame 0bama for this any more than you can blame Bush. But, those who wrote, and approved of such training need to be investigated.
Report Post »Mark0331
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:59pmBoth excellent points..the spooky part is we have professionals in Federal Law enforcement who blatantly disregard the Constitution either deliberatley or unwittingly….crazy no matter how you look at it…We need to stay vigilant. Both ‘sides’ are guilty.
Report Post »KingCanon
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:33pmAnother step toward end time LAWLESSNESS the Word of God speaks of… that’s all.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:30pm“It said that the training will ”clearly distinguish between constitutionally protected statements and activities designed to achieve political, social, or other objectives, and violent extremism”. WHAT? YOU HAVE TO LAUGH.. what else can you do, this is so absurd. Is there NO COMMON SENSE left in this country? NOTHING makes sense any more, does it?
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:35pmThis is the way radicals seeking to make their new order replace the old arrange for things to be done; you set the old system adrift from its foundations and then impose a new one, often by force of arms and fire, blood and steel.
Report Post »Maxim Crux
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:28pmJust like the Hitler SS was above the law
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 1:28pmYup, but we have a consatution specalist in the WH.
Report Post »