Note: The FBI "Surreptitious Entries" Web site does not always allow access to files there. We've archived the full 23-part series (148MB) and will offer it if the site withdraws the files. We provide mirrors of selected pages quoted below.

"TOP SECRET. The following is set forth in regard to your request concerning what authority we have for 'black bag' jobs. We do not obtain authorization for 'black bag' jobs from outside the Bureau. Such a technique involves trespass and is clearly illegal; therefore, it would be impossible to obtain any legal sanction for it. Despite this, 'black bag' jobs have been used because they represent an invaluable technique in combating subversive activities of a clandestine nature aimed directly at undermining and destroying our nation."

-- Federal Bureau of Investigation, 'Black Bag' Jobs, July 19, 1966 (offsite "Surreptitious Entries," Part 5, pages 125-28; mirror page 125: http://cryptome.org/fbi-se5-125.pdf)

"Assistant to the FBI Director L.V. BOARDMAN telephonically contacted me today and stated that some Agent in Washington in a classroom made the remark that bag jobs were unconstitutional. I asked whether this Agent is a New York Agent and if so I would take immediate steps to determine if his mental outlook might be present among other members of the confidential techniques squad, to determine which of these men should be retained on this type of activity and which should be deleted."

-- FBI Special Agent in Charge New York, Confidential Techniques, May 10, 1955 (offsite "Surreptitious Entries" Part 13, page 61; mirror: http://cryptome.org/fbi-se13-61.pdf)

"In connection with the development of highly confidential and anonymous sources, there has been utilized successfully by the New York Office a new and practical investigative technique. The technique involves the use of 'Booties,' which is a type of shoe cover commonly used by window dressers in their trade. The very practical and advantageous use of the 'Booties' in connection with the development of highly confidential and anonymous sources is realized on snowy and rainy days when shoes become wet or muddy. On such days, these 'Booties' can be easily and quickly slipped over the wet shoes just prior to entering the particular apartment, office, etc. and will allow movement within the premises without leaving 'telltale' stains or smears. The use of the 'Booties' also cut down considerably the amount of usual and ordinary floor noises made by walking on floor boards, linoleum, etc. and permitted a much quieter movement within the premises. This indicates a definite additional advantageous use of the 'Booties' even on dry days where silent movement is of the essence in maintaining a high degree of security."

-- Federal Bureau of Investigation, Highly Confidential and Anonymous Sources, January 20, 1955

"Strong objection to the utilization of telephone taps as contrasted to microphone surveillances was stressed to Attorney General Robert Kennedy. He stated he recognized the reasons why telephone taps should be restricted to national-defense-type cases and he was pleased we had been using microphone surveillances where these objections do not apply."

-- Federal Bureau of Investigation, Microphones Policy Brief, July 12, 1966 (offsite "Surreptitious Entries" Part 9b, page 76; mirror: http://cryptome.org/fbi-se9b-76.pdf)

"Civil rights workers Michael Henry Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Earl Chaney disappeared on June 21, 1964, at Philadelphia, Mississippi. Prior to the time their mutilated bodies were discovered buried beneath an earthen dam, Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Katzenback requested the FBI to consider placing a wiretap on the parents of Schwerner. Mr. Katzenbach was concerned that the disappearance of the three civil rights workers might be a hoax and that Schwerner's parents, who had a Communist Party background, might attempt to exploit the disappearance. One June 30, 1964, Mr. Katzenbach personally approved this wiretap. Director Hoover reluctantly agreed to this wiretap, because the Bureau might be embarrassed if the disappearance were not a hoax."

--  Federal Bureau of Investigation, Electronic Surveillances, June 23, 1969 (offsite "Surreptitious Entries" Part 12, page 7; mirror: http://cryptome.org/fbi-se12-7.pdf)