FBI Rabble Rouser Index Documents - Download

FBI Rabble Rouser Index Documents

A total of 1,034 pages of documents related to the FBI'S Rabble Rouser Index.
 
This collection also includes:
 
FBI Files

998 pages of FBI files known concerning the Rabble Rouser Index (Subversive Control).

Before coming to the time when they were able to rely on computer databases, the Bureau relied on an index card system developed by J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover brought with him to the Bureau his knowledge about indexing and cataloging he learned while he was employed at the National Archives.

The Index List was used by the FBI to it believed to be dangerous to national security. The Index List was divided into various sections and new subdivisions were created over time. In 1950, a Security Index was created to list people the FBI thought should be immediately arrest during a national emergency by order of the president.

On August 4, 1967, the FBI created the Rabble Rouser Index. A September 5, 1967, FBI memo states, "We established a Rabble Rouser Index to consist of the names, identifying data, and background information of individuals who have demonstrated by their actions and speeches that they have a propensity for fomenting racial disorder. The field was instructed to submit nominations for inclusion in the Index."    

In March 1968, the Rabble Rouser Index was renamed the Agitator Index and field offices were ordered to obtain a photograph of each person on the Index.

The scope and use of the index grew. A memo sent out on April 4, 1968, the day of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. stated:

“In view of the possibility of widespread riots in the months ahead and because of the propensity of certain professional rabble rousers to travel about the country fomenting or perpetrating civil disorders, the Bureau is requested to give consideration to furnishing all offices with photographs, descriptions, and succinct background of all individuals on the Agitator Index. This can be done either on a regional or national basis.

This will preclude the necessity of last-minute teletypes to various offices requesting photographs and information regarding individuals whom informants may advise are either present in or who are contemplating coming to a particular division to participate in an anticipated riot or a riot then in progress. 

If such information is available to each office, local law enforcement can be promptly furnished, with photographs and pertinent information regarding those individuals in the area. State authorities might also be in a position to intercept them on some charge prior to their arrival in a particular city. This would apply to organizations such as Deacons for Defense and Justice and similar-type groups who are frequently called upon to aid and assist in riots.

It is appreciated that to supply offices with this data would result to some extent in an additional burden and expense to the Bureau, the end result would in many cases be worthwhile this expenditure.”

 
House Judicial Committee Report: FBI Domestic Intelligence Operations (1976) 

A 258-page report, dated February 24, 1976, titled, “Report to the House Committee on the Judiciary by the Comptroller General of the United States: FBI Domestic Intelligence Operations--Their Purpose and Scope: Issues That Need To Be Resolve.”

The report specifically mentions the Rabble Rouser Index.

Abstract:

The FBI's authority to carry out domestic in intelligence investigations is unclear. Legislation is needed. Investigations are too broad in terms of the number of people investigated and scope of investigations. Legislation is needed. Investigations are generally passive in that information is gathered from other sources. But they are all encompassing. Questionable techniques were used infrequently, but legislation is needed limiting their future use.

The FBI adequately controlled dissemination of investigative information but has not adequately examined its procedures for maintaining such data. The Attorney General should limit retention of investigative data. Neither the Justice Department nor the Congress exercised adequate control and oversight over FBI domestic intelligence operations. Legislation is needed.
 

Senate Church Committee Report (Excerpts) (1976)

36 pages concerning FBI target lists and the Rabble Rouser Index drawn from a 1976 report by the Senate Church Committee titled, “Intelligence Activities and the Rights of Americans, Book II, Final Report of the Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities United States Senate Together with Additional, Supplemental, and Separate Views. “