2015 Pre-Publication Review Policy Guide, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Excerpt from the document:

Under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, Americans enjoy the right to free speech, which includes a right to publish. However, with regard to public employees, particularly Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) personnel, this right must comport with the FBI’s significant law enforcement and national security responsibilities and the FBI’s interest in maintaining effective and efficient operations.

Accordingly, in matters concerning the use of FBI information, it is necessary for the FBI to protect its information from disclosures that could endanger substantial government interests. The Prepublication Review Policy Guide sets forth program guidance relating to the disclosure of FBI information outside of official use and ensures adequate protections for
FBI personnel’ s constitutionally protected rights as citizens.

All information created and acquired by current and former employees and government contractor employees (hereinafter collectively referred to as “FBI personnel”) in connection with official FBI duties, as well as all official material to which FBI personnel have access, is the property of the United States. FBI personnel must surrender all materials in their possession that contain FBI information upon FBI demand or upon separation from the FBI. Unauthorized disclosure, misuse, or negligent handling of FBI information could adversely affect national security, place human life in jeopardy, result in the denial of due process, obstruct justice, prevent the FBI from effectively discharging
its responsibilities, or violate federal law.

Before disclosing FBI information outside of their official duty requirements, FBI personnel must submit the proposed disclosures to the Record Management Division’s (RMD) Record/Information Dissemination Section (RIDS) Prepublication Review Office for review. This prepublication review affords the FBI the opportunity to (1) assess whether the proposed disclosure includes prohibited information, (2) advise submitting FBI personnel of any such concerns, and (3) work with the submitter to resolve such concerns.