HEADQUARTERS HANDBOOK -- PROCEDURES FOR DOMESTIC COURIER OPERATIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84-00780R002100180010-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 28
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 8, 2002
• Sequence Number: 10
• Publication Date: April 19, 1968
• Content Type: MF

Approved
Approved
~-~/Od2xt
pDP84 968 OR0021
4
TO:
Mr. Coffey
Mr. Bannerman vi
ROOM NO. BUILDING
REMARKS:
Recommend your
initials and
signature.
2
HM
FROM:
ROOM NO. BUILDING
For Release 003/04/29:
CIA-RDP8 _ OftoO2
FEB M 55 24 I REPLACES FORM 36-8 (47)
1 R
WHICH MAY BE USED.
STAT
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19 A`'1 1"E3
E OR
FOR: t ef, support
Odrectt.r
DOVAty
kleado,
era Han4book --
Wirier Operut#ons
REFERENCE
car . ' Directorates w,
time cants d therein with special bunructions, .
3. k is requested that the mam-usl be
ddb k as a t of the purity eai egory .
APR 2 6 1968
Signcd: C or ~a+. ~,' ~.QOil
11
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DOMESTIC COURIER OPERATIONS
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SECURITY STAT
FUNE WORD
This Handbook is designed as a basic document to implement Agency
policies and regulations per wining to the operation of a domestic courier
service. The procedural guidance is general in nature and does not cover
in detail the wide variety of operational problems that might be encountered.
Since the guidance is general, various Agency components operating spec-
ialized courier services may wish to augment this Handbook with additional
and specific guidance. Incidents or problems outside of the general guide-
lines presented in this Handbook should be referred to the Office of Security.
FOR THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE:
STAT
V
.K. L. BANNEKMAN
Deputy Director
for Support
APR 2 6 1968
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Paragraph
Page
CHAPTER I: GENERAL
1. PURPOSE .....................................................
2. SCOPE OF DOMESTIC COURIER OPERATIONS ...................
3. IMPORTANCE OF COURIERS ..................................
4. ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COURIER ..............
5. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES .....................................
CHAPTER II: SECURITY REQUIREMENTS
1. IMPORTANCE OF STRICT SECURITY ............ ............. .
2. SECURITY CLASSIFICATIONS ..................................
3. PROTECTION OF INTELLIGENCE SOURCES .....................
CHAPTER III: CONTROL AND TRANSMISSION OF CLASSIFIED MATERIAL
1. GENERAL ....................................................
2. REGULATIONS ................................................
3. PROCEDURES .................................................
F igre
1. Form 240, Couri_c : Receipt and Log Record ......................
2. Form 303, Registc red Material. Transfer Certificate: and
Semi-Annual R.e.iort ........................................
3. Form 615, Docum'. nt Receipt ..................................
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1. PURPOSE
This Handbook provides procedural guidance required to implement the policies
and regulations pertaining to dome:,::fc courier service. Guidance is primarily
directed to full-time couriers assigned to Agency domestic courier services but
is also intended for the use of at her Agency employees who are, from time-to-
time, designated as emergency couriers. While many of the basic procedures
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have obvious application to overseas courier operations and internal Agency mes-
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stinger services, this handbook applies to domestic courier operations only.
2. :SCOPE OF DOME St'IC COURIYR OPERATIONS
The Agency courier service includes courier operations in six orgy xizationa1 ele-
ments employing, approximately rsons and serving over E3elivery points. 25X1
These courier operations are integral to the following, Offices:
National Photo;Tap~hic interpretation Center
Off-lee of Special Projects
Office of Special Activities
Office of Security
Office of Current Intelligence
Office of 'Logistics
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3. IMPORTANCE OF COURIERS
The courier occupies a position of special trust and plays an important role in
the shaping of events. Information received by any element of Government that
affects the national interest must be securely and quickly placed in the hands of
the proper authorities. Even in this age of electronics, the basic means of trans-
mission of sensitive information is by the safe hands of a courier. The fact that
material has been entrusted to a courier is one indication of its sensitivity. An
efficient, secure courier service operation is absolutely essential to the proper
functioning of this Agency.
4. ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COURIER
Requirements for character, reliability, and neatness are very high for a courier.
The courier must be alert, cooperative, courteous, and capable of working long
hours, frequently under stress. He mutt be flexible in his habits to adjust to
changing workload and irregular working hours. In some instances the courier
will have personal contact with key persons at the top echelons of Government.
He must be able to act with tact and diplomacy to enforce the security require-
ments of the material entrusted to him. His work takes him into public areas
and offices of high officials of the Government. Impressions formed by one un-
kempt or untidy courier ca:i reflect unfavorably on the entire Agency. An alert,
courteous, and neat courier who goes about his work in a quiet, businesslike
manner creates an immedi.ite good impression and frequently will draw favor-
able comment for the courser service and the Agency as a whole.
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5. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The position of a courier offers a unique opportunity to learn the organizational
structure of the Agency. The courier acquires a wide range of knowledge of other
organizational elements of the Government with which he has frequent contacts.
He has an excellent opportunity to demonstrate ability and character. Numerous
personal contacts arc made in performance of daily duties. The courier is exposed
to certain administrative procedures which enhance his professional value to the
Agency. . Service as a courier provides an excellent foundation on which to build a
permanent career with the Agency. 4
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CHAPTER II: SECU12-r Y
1. IMPORTANCE OF STRICT SECURITY TO THE MISSION OF THE AGENCY
a . An intelligence agency must function in accordance with strict security stand-
ards in order to fulfill its mnission effectively. . The maximum standards of
security, compatible with operating procedures, must always be obscrved
and practiced. This concept of security applies to all persons connected with
CIA and to personnel whose dudes are performed within the United ;fates, as
well as those assigned overseas. 4
b. Couriers who transport classified information must assume individual respon-
sibility for maintaining the strict security standards necessary to protect the
broad scope of the A{ ency's mission, as well as the particular material in
transit. Couriers responsible for the transmission of classified material are
a vital part of the communications system of the intelligence Community as a
whole. In this connection, they should be fully aware that opposition intelli-
gence services consider the activities of CiA. as a priority target. One of the
most important specific targets is our system of communications. This most
definitely includes those communications which we employ domestically.
c . is should be emphasized that opposition intelligence services have both the
manpower and the capability to undertake operational activity In the United
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States and are constantly attempting to probe any weaknesses and mistakes
we make. To offset this effort each individual must maintain the maximum
security standards applicable to his function. We can expect the opposition
services to take advantage of any tendency on our part to become tired, bored,
to cut corners because it is expedient, or to be just plain. careless, because
all such characteristics are easily recognizable human failings.
d. Opposition intelligence services have targeted on United States Government
couriers in the past and undoubtedly will continue to do so. Blackmail is a
common weapon in such operations and, thus, a courier nust be particularly
careful to avoid conduct which might make him vulnerable in this respect.
He should report to his supervisor immediately any suspected blackmail at-
tempt. While the hazard of a hit-and-run attack of the purse-snatching type
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2. SECURITY CLASSIFICATIONS
a. Couriers must be familiar with the significance of classification markings in
terms of their definition by regulation. These definitions have been condensed
for the purpose of this Handbook:
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(1) TOP SECRET is "information or material which requires the highest
degree of protection. " The unauthorized disclosure of this material
could result in e cceptionally grave damage to the nation. It could
lead to a definite break in diplomatic relations affecting the defense
of the United States; provoke an armed attack against the United States
or its allies; provoke a war; compromise military or defense plans,
intelligence operations, or technological developments vital to the na-
tional defense. Typical of such documents are war plans, intelligence
documents which reveal a major intelligence effort on the part of the
United States, documents which could permit the identification of a
clandestine agen': or agents or which could permit an evaluation by un-
authorized persons of the success obtained by, or the capabilities of,
our intelligence services.
(2) SECRET information is that which, if disclosed to unauthorized persons,
could jeopardize the international relations of the United States, endanger
the effectiveness of a program or policy of vital importance to the national
defense, result is the compromise of important military or defense plans
or scientific or technological developments important to a foreign nation
in enabling it to cause serious injury to the national defense or intelligence
effort of the United States.
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(3) CONFIDENTIAL information is information the unauthorized dis-
closure of which could be prejudicial to the defense interests of the
nation or the intelligence activities of the nation. Examples of this
category would be information regarding the contents of reports of
investigations and documents of an intelligence nature which could
be of value but not of vital. interest to a foreign country.
b. Special intelligence or compartmental information must be transmitted in
accordance with special handling instructions. It is the responsibility of
the Agency component o_,1ginating the material to provide the courier serv-
ice with necessary instructions.
c. Security classifications arc assigned by the originator, and the courier must
always proceed on the assumption that the originator applies the classifica-
tion in a strict and meaningful way.
3. PROTECTION OF INTELLIGENCE SOURCES
a. The requirement placed upon the Agency for "Protection of Intell.hrence Sources
and Intelligence Method., from Unauthorized Disclosure" is a mandate contained
in the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 and, as such, is a legal responsi-
bility placed upon CIA. Often a source or method utilized to obtain intelligence
infonnation is extremely sensitive in and of itself. Sources and methods are
developed at great effort and expense and are vital to the conduct of successful
intelligence operations. They must be given the highest degree of protection
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possible by all personnel in the Agency. In some instances the .inadvertent
disclosure of a particular bit of intelligence to unauthorized persons could
lead to the compromise and loss of a source.
b. Couriers performing their daily functions are part of a total chain of collec-
tive effort to protect intelligence sources or intelligence methods. It must
be assumed at all timer that the contents of pouches, b"?iefcases, or other
containers, should. they fall into the hands of the opposition, could result in
a serious break in the chain of protection of intelligence sources and methods.
C. Couriers will report to their supervisors any unusual incidents or conditions
that they note in the course of their official travels.
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1. GENERAL
The procedures described herein apply to all domestic courier operations of the
Agency. Augmenting instructions of the various organizational components oper-
ating courier services is the responsibility of each element concerned.
2. REGULATIONS
All couriers must be familiar with the contents of this Handbook and the following
directives:
ransmission of Classified Documents Outside CIA
ransmission of Classified Documents Within C?A
uthorization and Control of Firearms Issued for the Protection
of Classified Documents and Sensitive Mat Drials
3. PROCEDURES
a. CLASSIFIED MATERIAL - GENERAL
.When handling any type of classified material, the courier will:
(1) Note on the reverse side of the receipt form, Form `40, Courier Receipt
and Log Record (Figure 1), any material received in damaged condition
and see that the material is then rewrapped for delivery.
(2) Assure that the recipient's signature on the receipt f?)rm is legible. If
it is not, the courier will print the recipient's name on the back of the
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receipt. The signature must be complete. Initials are not sufficient.
Assure that the date of delivery is included on the r,Dceipt form.
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SECURITY
In addition to following the applicable procedures prescr Tbed in subparagraph
3a above, when handling TOP SECRET material, the courier will:
(1) Sign the required :lumber of receipt forms, Form 240a, Courier's
Classified Mail Receipt. The multiple signature type receipt form
will be signed by each individual who handles the material.
(2) Check to see that the correct date is on the receipt form and that the
address on the receipt corresponds to that shown on the envelope.
(3) When completing delivery, make certain that the recipient is aware
that the material is classified TOP SECRET.
(4) Be accompanied by another. Agency courier or, in lieu thereof, another
cleared Agency employee at all times.
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CO vE UNICA MOONS
The two-way radio will be used to communicate between the courier(s) and
the appropriate dispatcher. When using the radios the individuals involved
will use the security code prescrthcd by tl'.cir branch. Ii is imperative that
users observe the strict FCC regulations governing the use of citizcnU !;and
;;adios. Operating hours are determined by the branch operating the courier
cervices. Classified information will not be discussed near the microphone
while the circuit is open.
VEHICLE OPERA ION
(1) Couriers will transport classified materiel in of icial motor vehicles.
(2) Vehicles will be operated in a manner to conform with an traffic
regulations.
(3) In case of accideit the coxrier will hnmediutely notify his cupervisor
by radio or by telephone. Assistance can be obtained at any tfrne of the
day or night by calling the Office of Security, 351-6161. The courier
should not hesitate to enlist the assistance of airy Agency employee In
the event of an accident; such assistance includin translwxtatio ,,
delivery of messages, or simply standIlg by until local authorities or
the Office of Security arrives or. the scene. In such circumstances the
courier should, of course, first ask to see the einployee's badge.
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NTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
OCUMENT RECEIPT
NOTICE TO RECIPIENT
Sign and Return as Shown on Reverse Side
COURIER REC_ NO.
NDER OF DOCUMENT(S)
ROOM
BLDG.
DATE DOCUN
DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT(S) SEN
T
CIA NO.
DOCUMENT DATE
COPIES
DOCUMENT TITLE
ATTACHMENTS
RECIP
IENT
ADDRESS OF RECIPIENT
SIGNATURE (ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF ABOVE DOC,
OFFICE
DATE OF RECI
F
?--6, 615
Figure 1
S ECRET
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REGISTERED
MATERIAL TRANSFER CERTIFICATE AND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
C~
TRANSFER CERTIFICATE 5EMi-ANNUAL REPORT
TO: (Designation, mailing address of receiving activity)
FRO1+1: (Designation, mailing address of transferring act-
ivi ty)
OFFICE OF RECORD
COURIER RECEIPT NO.
Pa a of
pages
SHORT TITLE NO
_
. OF ITEMS REGISTER NO. OF ITEMS REMARKS
4"?
CERTIFICATIONS
I CERTIFY THAT I HAVE THIS
DATE RECEIVED AND HOLD
I CERTIFY THAT I HAVE TRANSFERRED THE REGISTERED
MYSELF RESPONSIBLE FOR THE. REGI
STERED MATERIAL LISTED
MATERIAL LISTED ABOVE.
ABOVE.
SIGNATURE OF OFFICER RECEIVING
MATERIAL
SIGNATURE OF OFFICER TRANSFERRING MATERIAL
TYPED NAME OF OFFICER RECEIVING MATERIAL
TYPED NAME OF OFFICER TRANSFERRING MATERIAL
DATE MATERIAL RECEIVED
A
d
F
R
l
2003/04/2
DATE MATER AL T A SEE R
RD ~84
~0~l80~266 2100180010
1
CIA
pprove
or
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:
-
-
-
ALL CORRECTION
I IALED IN INK
FORM NO 30
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SECURITY
FROM No. C 2 6 9 6 5 9
DATE
ENVELOPE(S)
I PACKAGE(S)
ORIGINATOR: DO NOT COMPLETE THIS COPY BELOW THIS LINE. REMOVE THIS COPY
IF LOG DATA IS TO BE ADDED ON COPIES 2 AND 3. INSERT ONLY THIS COPY IN THE
WINDOW POCKET, OR ATTACH SECURELY TO ENVELOPE OR PACKAGE WITHOUT A
WINDOW POCKET.
FORM USE PREVIOUS
6-60 240 EDITIONS
COURIER RECEIPT AND LOG RECORD
LOG DATA
Figure 3
SEA L;
ORIGINATING
OFFICE LOG
2
NO. C269656"
ENVELOPE (S)
PACKAGE (S)
OTHER
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 Approved For Release f CIA-RDP844 0, 7110 0021Q9~ o/ 1 8 166)
Executive Director -Comptroller
Headquarters Handbook for Domestic C our
Operations
Memo dtd 2 $ Dec 67 fr - -compt to paty
Dir tors, subj s Inspector Viral : rvey of
the semIty of CIA Courier stems
I This memorandu contains
t. I the referees memorandum you as
comene, a working group, under a chairmanship
Headquarters Handbook covering all phases of Agency courier actin
father rapest that a report of progress be given to you within ninety
of the date of the referenced memorandum.
Courier Operations" has been completely developed atxd
p+tsed to iaft .'tn you that the Handbook entitled "Prssce -
of the appropriate representative of each of the
res. The completed Handbook is now being reviewed
to insure grammatical accuracy and adhere to established tncy format.
I an lpate receipt of a final version of It`within a roxhn-ately two weeks and
cessary acticrn to have it p*xbl - - and disseminated,
SIGNED R. L. Bannrnlan
Distribution:
Orig. - Addressee
- DD/S ehxono.
1 - DL Files (Officio
I - ER
DD/'L:JFBlake:bm 1(27 Mar 68)
R. L. Bannerman
Depay Director
for Suppoxt
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IRIS 68-01lB
ii JAN 1968
R: Executive Di ctor_C
REFERENCE
67 to DD;
Ex. Dir. ?Cot.
pros
SIGNED R. L. Bannerman
cc., i /LJ
/, 4-r7
SPA/DDS:HM:klm (g Jan 68)
Distribution:
Orig - Adse
0 DD/S Subject
1 - DD/S Chxono
cc - as noted
1 - SPA
I prepare the Heack...rters
you ask that I appoint a chairman
of A4p=y ct nrler aet ity.
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 STAT
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