COINTEL-PRO: FBI WAR ON BLACK AMERICA 3 OF 3

FBI WAR ON BLACK AMERICA: COINTEL PROGRAM PART 3 OF 3

Examples of COINTEL-PRO Techniques:

Surveillance: extensive & wide-spread surveillance was used to gather information on groups & individuals, both technical (bugs, wiretaps, telephone, mail, photo & film) & physical (personal & vehicle).

Infiltrators, informants & collaborators: widespread use of infiltrators & informants was a key part of the FBI's COINTEL-PRO. Informants, usually disaffected members or associates of a group, were recruited through intim-idation or money.

Bad-jacket, or snitch-jacket: when a genuine movement member is portrayed as being an informant (or a thief, a rapist, etc.). Often, other informants are used to spread rumours, plant evidence, etc.

False communications: fake letters were sent between individuals or groups with misinformation (i.e., allegations of sexual affairs between members, death threats, etc.).

Media disinformation: in collaboration with corporate media, the FBI & police would conduct 'smear & disinformation' campaigns against movements, organizations, & individuals, portraying them as violent, criminal, terrorist, or insane.

Arrests/false evidence/frame-ups: petty charges & outright frame-ups were used to tie people & groups up in the court system, and to imprison many with harsh sentences. Constant or massive arrests & charges drained movements of time & resources, diverting them from resistance to legal defense.

Other harassment: other forms of harassment used by the FBI & police included approaching members at their homes or workplaces for interviews, approaching landlords, employers or family members to exert pressure on members (i.e., having them evicted, losing their jobs, or facing ostracism by family).