Letters & Codes
Letters & Codes
Letters & Codes
The first number is the classification number and tells what type of investigation the
document relates to. 12
The second number is known as the Individual Case Number and are in sequence as to
the number of file
opened in that particular office. 34567
The third number is the document number, or serial number. This indicates in which order
it was placed in
the file. 890
At the FBI Headquarters, either a "0" or "00" is put before the first case appearing in a
classification.
"0" files include miscellaneous data or complaints for which there are no need to open a
separate case file.
"00" files contain procedures and policies that relate to classification. If there is a change
pertaining to
classification procedures, that document is put in the "00" file.
But what do all those classification numbers mean? You will find the numbers, along with
detailed descriptions, in the FBI's yearly "Privacy Act" notices in the Federal Register. Over
the years, there are changes to titles or descriptions, but the categories' general essence
usually remains intact.