CIA counterterrorism officers have signed up in growing numbers for a government-reimbursed, private insurance plan that would pay their civil judgments and legal expenses if they are sued or charged with criminal wrongdoing, according to current and former intelligence officials and others with knowledge of the program.

The new enrollments reflect heightened anxiety at the CIA that officers may be vulnerable to accusations they were involved in abuse, torture, human rights violations and other misconduct, including wrongdoing related to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. They worry that they will not have Justice Department representation in court or congressional inquiries, the officials said.

Let’s not make this any more sensational than it needs to be . . .

When I became a boss (albeit a minor one) it was suggested that I sign up for professional liability insurance. The whole idea was bizarre to me: the idea that someone might sue me because I was doing my job – intelligence work, a job with A LOT of controls and checks and balances involved – it just didn’t compute. Still, I dutifully filled out my Wright & Co. paperwork . . . and then let it collect dust in my desk.

The bottom line is that everyone in the IC with any kind of authority or responsibility beyond that of working stiff does it. If this is news I’ve got a late-breaking story for you: cops like donuts.

About the Author

Michael Tanji

Michael Tanji spent nearly 20 years in the US intelligence community. Trained in both SIGINT and HUMINT disciplines he has worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the National Reconnaissance Office. At various points in his career he served as an expert in information warfare, computer network operations, computer forensics, and indications and warning. A veteran of the US Army, Michael has served in both strategic and tactical assignments in the Pacific Theater, the Balkans, and the Middle East.