FBI High Visibility Memoranda

Background

An FBI High Visibility Memorandum is an internal document used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to communicate information about cases or matters that are considered to be of high public, media, or governmental interest. These memoranda are used to inform senior FBI officials and other relevant parties about the status, developments, or significant aspects of such cases. The purpose of a High Visibility Memorandum is to ensure that key decision-makers are kept informed and that any necessary coordination or public relations efforts can be undertaken effectively.

The content of a High Visibility Memorandum typically includes:

Case Identification: The memorandum will provide details about the case, including the case number, the subject(s) involved, and the location of the investigation.
Background Information: A brief overview of the case, including its origins, the nature of the allegations or incidents, and any relevant historical context.
Current Status: An update on the current status of the investigation or matter, including any recent developments, findings, or actions taken by the FBI or other involved agencies.
Significance: An explanation of why the case is considered to be of high visibility, including potential public, media, or governmental interest, and any potential implications or consequences.
Next Steps: A summary of planned or anticipated actions, including investigative steps, legal proceedings, or public relations efforts.
Points of Contact: Information about key personnel involved in the case, including lead investigators, supervisors, and public affairs officers.
Other Relevant Information: Any additional information that may be pertinent to understanding the case or its significance, such as related cases, potential security concerns, or coordination with other agencies.

High Visibility Memoranda are typically marked with appropriate handling instructions to ensure that sensitive information is protected and disseminated appropriately. They are an important tool for managing the FBI’s response to significant cases and ensuring that the agency’s leadership is informed and prepared to address potential public or governmental scrutiny.

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Below, you will find the memorandums released.

Document Archive

Note: There may be repeat documents within the releases below. Some cases were filed by other requesters, and archived here for preservation at The Black Vault. All releases are archived for research purposes, with no omissions.

FBI High Visibility Memoranda (circa 1979 – 1986) [135 Pages, 44MB] – (Note: These records were provided by the family of anthologist and transparency activist Russ Kick, from his papers, facilitated by the generous assistance of Dr. Susan Maret.)