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REQUEST #13-5
COMMISSION COPY
A/11 Law Enforcement Privacy
(R;v.0.8-:S-::OOC)
Drafted By:
Case ID #: 66F-HQ-C1392852 (Pending)
Title: TERRORISM WATCH LIST
TIPOFF MATTERS
Synopsis: This communication describes the Department of State's
terrorist TIPOFF system and establishes procedures for FBI field
office entries into TIPOFF.
Details: The Department of State (DOS) Bureau of Intelligence and
Research maintains a classified database, referred to as TIPOFF,
which contains information regarding known or suspected terrorists
who are not U.S. citizens. TIPOFF was designed to detect these
Individuals as they apply for visas overseas or as they attempt to
pads through U.S., Canadian or Australian border entry points.
DOS has established a "reasonable" suspicion" threshold for
a qualifying TIPOFF entry. Specifically, there has to be reasonable
suspicion the individual is a terrorist or is associated with
terrorism. The TIPOFF database maintains classified electronic
copies of supporting documents regarding individual TIPOFF entries.
In addition to the above, DOS shares qualifying TIPOFF
data with U.S. embassies via the Consular Lookout and Support System
(CLASS) and with other U.S. border agencies via the Interagency
Border Inspection System (IBIS). Only those TIPOFF entries which
contain names and identifying data to facilitate positive
are shared through CLASS and IBIS. The information
shared with CLASS and IBIS is provided at the unclassified level and
does not include any of the classified supporting documentation.
Currently, DOS and CJIS are developing procedures and
protocols which will., enable qualifying TIPOFF data to be entered
directly into NCIC's 'Violent Gang and Terrorist Organizations File
(VGTOF) ';. To ''date, over-/ | entries have been made into TIPOFF,
approximately f ] of which contain identifying data which would
enable positive identifications.
j-
k.
1.
Req 13-5
00000000£
To: Ail Field Offi_as From: Counterterrorism
Re: 66F-HQ-C1392852, 12/24/2002
LEAD(s) :
Set Lead 1:
ALL RECEIVING OFFICES
International and Domestic Terrorism program managers will
disseminate this communication to appropriate personnel and ensure
compliance for entries into the Department of State's TIPOFF
database.
Req 13-5
000000004