Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

The Central Intelligence Agency provides national security intelligence services. It is engaged in collecting intelligence through human sources and by other appropriate means. It is focused on analysis on foreign intelligence issues; research and development of specialized intelligence systems; information security; records management and declassification; and public affairs and protocols. It is engaged in providing overall direction for the coordination and the collection of national intelligence outside the United States through human sources by elements of the intelligence community authorized to undertake such collection and, in coordination with other departments, agencies, or elements of the United States Government which are authorized to undertake such collection, ensuring that the most effective use is made of resources and that appropriate account is taken of the risks to the United States and those involved in such collection. It is also engaged in correlating and evaluating intelligence related to the national security and providing appropriate dissemination of such intelligence. The Central Intelligence Agency also creates multidisciplinary centers to address issues such as nonproliferation, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, international organized crime and narcotics trafficking, environment, and arms control intelligence. Its departments include the department of Intelligence & Analysis, Clandestine Services, Science & Technology, Human Resources, Public Affairs, General Counsel, Congressional Affairs, and more. In addition, it provides education, publications, and a center for the study of intelligence, intelligence literature, reports, a video center, and related resources. The Central Intelligence Agency was founded in 1947 with the signing of the National Security Act by President Harry S. Truman. It is based in Washington, District of Columbia.