NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION CENTER MISSION AND FUNCTIONS STATEMENT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP87B00832R000100010019-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 15
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 25, 2005
• Sequence Number: 19
• Publication Date: September 1, 1962
• Content Type: STATEMENT

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1 September 1962
NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC INTgtPRLTATION CIIVTER
MISSION AND FUNCTIONS STATII~
1. AUTHORITY
The Natianal Photagraphic Interpretation G`enter (NPIC) was
established by National Security Council Intelligence Directive
No. 8, dated 18 January 1961 and fLuictions under the executive
direction of the Director of Central Intelligence.
2. MISSION
The National Photographic Interpretation Center is charged
with producing photographic interpretation reports, providing
photographic intelligence services in support oP the national
intelligence effort, furnishing such additional support to
departmental and Agency interests as can be provided without
degradation of national responsibilities, and promoting an inte-
grated and coordinated interdepartmental effort in the exploi-
tation of photography for intelligence purposes.
3. FUNCTIONS
The National Photographic Interpretation Center shall:
a. Produce photographic interpretation reports in.support of
the national intelligence effort and approved Priority National
Intelligence Objectives to include preliminary, rapid interpre-
tation of photographic detail and comprehensive photographic
analysis, utilizing whenever possible related collateral infor-
mation.
b. Provide as a service of common concern to the intelligence
community photographic intelligence services in support of the
national photographic intelligence effort, and, whenever practicable,
furnish additional support to departmental and agency interests.
c. Maintain on a selective basis a consolidated central file
oP photographic data.
Declassifcation Review by NGA
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d. Arrange for the exchange of photographs and photographic
data with other photographic collections in the intelligence
community.
e. Make recommendations where appropriate to facilitate the ~ ,
coordinated development of compatible codes, indexes, and mechanized
systems for the efficient recovery, selection and collation of
available photographic data. _
f. Prepare photographic and photogrammetric intelligence support
requirements.
g. Provide analytic and technical photographic intelligence
services in support of special collection and exploitation require-
ments.
h. EYlgage in or sponsor, as appropriate, the development of
specialized equipment for the intelligence exploitation of photog-
raphy, and shall provide information about such specialized
equipment to interested elements of the intelligence community
for their own possible use or flarther adaptation.
i. Provide and maintain accommodations and facilities within
the Center for photographic intelligence units of Intelligence
Board components involved in national and departmental activities.
~. EScamine and make recommendations to the U. S. Intelligence
Board, as appropriate, as to any special security controls required.
k. Consult, as appropriate, with individual departments,
agencies, and committees of the U. S. Intelligence Board on matters
related to photographic intelligence exploitation activities.
SECRET
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ASSISTANT FOR OPF~ATIONS
MISSION
The Assistant for Operations is responsible to the Director, NPIC, for
ensuring the timely production oP national photographic interpretation
reports and coordination of photographic intelligence services, and for
serving as~principal advisor to the Director in all matters pertaining
thereto.
OPII~ATIONS STAFF
MISSION
T'ne Operations Staff, under the direction oP the Assistant for Operations,
is responsible for developing procedures and production schedules for the
timely exploitation of photography, providing a program analysis system,
conducting and supporting briefing programs, maintaining a communications
facility, and fLirnishing guidance and support to the NPIC Advisory
Committee.
FUNCTIONS
The Operations Staff shall:
1. Develop and coordinate procedures and production schedules Por
the timely exploitation of photography and the preparation of national
products.
2. Provide guidance and support to Center components in the
satisfaction of departmental requirements.
3. Conduct liaison with collecting. organizations in order to obtain
information necessary for programming production within the Center.
~. Process all requirements recommended as national projects as
well as those in support of departmental and internal component needs.
5? Provide guidance and support to the NPIC Advisory Committee
and its Secretariat in their formulation of national requirements.
6. Operate the NPIC communication facility and provide for the
receipt, dispatch and coordination of cable traffic.
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'j. Develop and maintain statistical information for analysis of
substantive operations, produce statistical studies on production and
manpower utilization, and prepare status reports on projects in work and
related support required.
8. Recommend new operating techniques and procedures.
9. Conduct substantive, technical and orientation briefings
as required and support the Director of the Center in the conduct of
briefings..
10. Produce special substantive intelligence summaries as required.
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ASSISTANT FOR ADMINISTRATION
MISSION
The Assistant foz? Administration is responsible to tk:e Director, Aii'IC,
for providing a comprehensive Center-wide program of administrative
support and for serving as principal advisor to the Director in all
matters pertaining trereto.
ADMINISTRATIVE ST 'r
The Administrative Staff, under the direction of thQ Ag~ietP,nt for
Administration, is responsible for providing administrative suppo~?t
and services in matters relating to personnel, training, budget,~finance,
travel, records manegP~sent, contracting, supply, and other logistical
.;L'-_~;~,:~it. In addition, it executes a comprehensive security program
in support of the mission of P3PIC.
FUNCTIONS
The Administrative Staff shall:
1. Develop, recommend, and implement plan3, ~a~rograrnc, and pro-
cedures in all administrative Yields in suppor?~ of hiC f;,ctivities.
2. Assist the Director in the development of organizational concepts
and provide support in the establishment of staffing complements, ,job
standards, and position descriptions.
3. Operate a personnel administration program to include recruitment,
assignment, utilization, promotions, employees; relations, and career
development.
~. Provide the administration for a comprehensive NPIC training
program to be conducted within the Center and at such external facilities
as prove necessary.
5. Prepare NPIC budget submittals as required by the Comptroller, CIA.
6. Develop and maintain effective financial eccountin,S r~cordn s.r~d
prepare periodic reports on the Financial status of the Center.
sECREr
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Provide support and services to NPIC foreign and domestic travel
programs.
8. Develop and operate a complete program of logistics services
including guidance and support to procurement activities, implementation
and follow-up of contractural actions through appropriate procurement
channels, administration and management of NPIC building space, and
operation of supply and maintenance programs.
Administer a Records Management Program for the Center.
10. Formulate and execute a comprehensive physical and personnel
security program for NPIC including security of the Center installation,
`~riefing of personnel, and handling of security breaches in coordination
with appropriate authoritie$.
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ASSISTANT FOR PLANS AND DEVELOPMENT'
MISSION
The Assistant for Plans and Development is responsible to the Director,
NPIC, for preparation of over-all planning studies, .for ensuring that the
Center is technically oriented and equipped to meet its production require-
ments, and for serving as principal advisor to the Director on all matters
pertaining thereto.
PLANS AND DEVELOPMENT S`T'AFF
MISSION
The Plans and Development Staff, under the direction of the Assistant
Por Plana and Development, is responsible for developing plans for the
future role and activities of the Center in carrying out its mission;
conducting a comprehensive technical equipment development program for
the intelligence exploitation of photography, and providing technical
evaluations and support to photographic collection systems activities.
FUNCTIONS
The Plans and Develapment Staff shall:
1. Conduct and prepare long-range planning studies as directed by
the Director, NPIC.
2. Maintain a current awareness of proposed and future developments
in photographic collection programs and determine their potential effect
upon photographic intelligence exploitation activities.
3. Provide guidance and support to the NPIC Technical Development
Committee.
~. Initiate, recoammend, and implement technical. develapment plans
and programs, and provide technical information and services in support
of NPIC operating components.
5. Provide technical guidance and suppart.in the procurement oP
equipment and services to include the establishment of technical
specifications, technical contract monitoring, inspection and acceptance
actions in accordance xith pertinent procurement regulations and pro-
cedural requirements.
SECRET
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6. Provide information and support to interested elements of the
intelligence community in the development of specialized equipment
for the intelligence exploitation of photography including coordination
of ,joint procurement activities.
7. Provide special advisory and consulting services to intelli-
gence community photographic collection activities as required.
8. Operate an exploratory development laboratory to investigate
and report on advanced techniques in photographic chemistry, optics,
mechanics and electronics which appear to have potential beneficial
application to NPIC.
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COLLA?'ERAL SUPPORT DIVISION
The Collateral Support Division is responsible for providing intelligence
research and reference support, and automatic data processing services to
NPIC, departmental activities of the Service~Agency.Detachments, and select
components of the Intelligence Community.
FUNCTIONS
'The Collateral Support Division shall:
1. Provide intelligence research and collateral support assistance to
photographic analysis activities of the Center.
2. Prepare and maintain Target Briefs on targets of interest to NPIC.
3. Recommend materials for briefings, and prepare briefing notes and
special studies as requested by the Director, NPIC.
~+. Provide intelligence reference services and procure intelligence
studies, periodicals, photographs, films, and maps as required.
5. Index and classify intelligence data and photography for machir:~_:
storage and retrieval.
6. Periodically compile and issue listings of photographic inter-
pretation reports and photography.
7. Plan for and operate an automatic data processing facility for rapid
generation of reports produced by the Center and for storage and retrieval
of intelligence data and photography.'
SECRET
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TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE DIVISION
MISSION
The Technical Intelligence Division is responsible for performing technical
analysis of current and proposed photographic collection programs; planning,
directing and operating a scientific computer facility and associated on-
line real-time system; and providing photogrammetriC analysis, menoural
support, and technical photographic intelligence services to NPIC, the
departmental activities of the Service~Agency Detachments and select com-
ponents of the Intelligence Community.
FUNCTIONS
The Technical Intelligence Division shall:
1. Produce technical photographic intelligence based upon photogrammetric
~~iia].ysis, and provide mensural data and technical analytical support to photo-
;;i?aphic intelligence production activities.
2. Perform mathematical studies to assist in the technical analysis and
exploitation of unusual and complex photographic systems.
3. Conduct calibration and evaluation studies of cameras and instrumen-
tation for the purpose of improving technical intelligence exploitation
potentials of photographic systems as required.
4. Plan and operate a scientific computing facility and associated
on-line real-time system.
5. Formulate systems and procedures for digital computer derivation
and reduction of quantitative information, develop mathematical models,
and prepare computer programs.
6. Prepare technical photographic designator information, provide
initial review and edit of film, and perform quality evaluations of photo-
graphic inputs from collection systems.
7. Prepare detailed, comprehensive, and special plots of photographic
materials received by NPIC.
8. Conduct evaluations of select collection systems, and provide
technical performance data to assist in their improvement.
9. Maintain data on the current capabilities in photogrammetric instru-
mentation and techniques of foreign organizations and assist in the preparation
of estimates of foreign capabilities in the field of technical photographic
intelligence.
SECRET
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PHOTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS DIVISION
MISSIO:d
The Photographic Analysis Division is responsible for producing national
level photographic interpretation reports and providing photographic
intelligence services utilizing all types of photography and pertinent
collateral information in support of the National Photographic Interpre-
tation Center.
FUNCTIONS
The Photographic Analysis Division shall:
1. Perform preliminary, rapid interpretaion of photographic detail
from selected all-source photography including indentification and
indexing of such detail in support of approved priority national intelli-
gence objectives.
2. Produce national level photographic interpretation reports through.
comprehensive analysis of photography utilizing whenever possible related
collateral information.
3. Provide photographic interpretation teams for tactical support
to national defense activities throughout the world.
~+. Provide photographic analysis support to USIB agencies, committees,
and consultant groups in the preparation of national estimates and finished
intelligence.
5. Conduct substantive briefings. on photographic analysis matters
as required.
6. Perform such other photographic analysis services as may be
directed by the Director, NPIC, in support of the national intelligence
effort.
SECRET
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PUBLICATIONS DIVISION
The Publications Division is responsible for reviewing, editing, analyzing,
~,tic1 i].],ustr~ting int~rll,igonca i~i#`gx`zn~tiOn; Pr?pe~r~,r~~ tl~+~ intelligenca
information for publication as national or departmental publications or
other dissemination a.s appropriate; developing publication standards,
including standards for presentation and printing; and preparing visual
aids in support of NPIC, departmental activities of the Service~Agency
Detachments, and select components of the intelligence community.
FUNCTIONS
The Publications Division shall:
1. Provide guidance and assistance in the planning, organization,
writing, processing, and preparation of photographic interpretation reports.
2. Review all items submitted for inclusion in formal publications
for apparent substantive completeness and accuracy, consistency, compatability
with published information, proper use of security classification and controls,
and correlation of texts and graphics.
3. Edit material intended for publication at'NPIC for grammar, clarity
of expression, spelling, punctuation, and adherence to appropriate style
specifications.
~+. Develop and issue style and writing manuals to assist analysts in
the initial preparation of manuscripts.
5. Provide guidance in the selection and direction in the development
of the illustrative portions of formal publications.
6. Prepare illustrations, text, and tabular material in final form
fcr reproduction.
7.' Provide configuration analysis in support of photographic inter-
pretation activities.
8. Construct and prepare all types of visual aids such as briefing
boards, vugraphs, models, mosaics, and charts.
SECRET
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%he Production Services Division is responsible fb r providing technical support
a!~d services to NPIC, departmental activities of the Service~Agency Detachments,
and select components of the Intelligence Community including operation of a
photographic laboratory, printing and reproduction facility, master file
and dissemination control system, and a central courier service for highly
classified intelligence materials.
FUNCTIONS
The Production Services Division shall:
1. Design, develop, and operate a specialized photographic laboratory in
support of photographic analysis and photogrammetric mensuration activities.
2. Operate and maintain a complete reproduction and printing facility for
the timely reproduction of specially controlled reports and graphic"materials.
3. Maintain a complete master file of selected photography and related
materials.
4. Provide a secure document handling facility and necessary control
system for sensitive types of material.
5. Receive and dispatch sensitive materials to and from foreign and
domestic installations in accordance with rigorously prescribed security
control systems.
6. As a service of common concern, provide a special courier service
for handling highly sensitive materials within the Intelligence Community.
SECRET
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MISSION
The CIA Photographic Intelligence Division is responsible for producing depart-
mental level photographic intelligence and providing photographic intelligence
aexwicea utilizirxg al]. Lypee o#' photography ar~~i pex~t~,n+~at Collstas'al infor-
mation in support of the Central Intelligence Agency.
FUNCTIONS
The CIA Photographic Intelligence Division shall:
1. Produce departmental photographic intelligence through analysis of
photography and utilization of collateral information in support of CIA
activities.
2. Provide personnel for special photographic intelligence support
to clandestine activities.
3. Operate a liaison activity at CIA Headquarters, La.rigley, to provide
photographic intelligence support to CIA components.
4. Assist CIA requestors in formulating requirements; receive, process,
and activate all CIA requirements and requests for photographic intelligence
services either departmentally or for NPIC action.
5. Conduct substantive briefings on photographic intelligence matters
as required.
6. Provide representation to and liaison with NPIC on~CIA departmental
photographic intelligence matters.
SECRET
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