Our mission is straightforward but critical: leverage the power of information to keep our Nation safe. We are the Nation’s first line of defense. We accomplish what others cannot accomplish and go where others cannot go.

To stop threats before they happen and further U.S. national security objectives, we:

• Collect foreign intelligence
• Produce objective analysis
• Conduct covert action

We do not make policy or policy recommendations. Instead, our Agency serves as an independent source of information for people who do. We are not a law enforcement organization. However, we do work with the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, and law enforcement agencies on many complex issues ranging from counterintelligence to counterterrorism.