what does the cia do

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a civilian foreign intelligence service of the federal government of the United States, officially tasked with gathering, processing, and analyzing national security information from around the world, primarily through the use of human intelligence (HUMINT) and conducting covert action through its Directorate of Operations. The CIAs primary mission is to collect, evaluate, analyze, and disseminate foreign intelligence information to support policymakers in making decisions relating to national security. The CIA does not make policy or policy recommendations, but instead serves as an independent source of information for people who do. The CIA collects and analyzes foreign intelligence, conducts covert action, and develops innovative technology. The agency works with the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, and law enforcement agencies on many complex issues, ranging from counterintelligence to counterterrorism. The CIA is not a law enforcement organization, but it does work with law enforcement agencies on many issues. The CIA also engages in covert action at the presidents direction in accordance with applicable law. The CIA is responsible to the American people through their elected representatives, and, like other government agencies, acts in accordance with U.S. laws and executive orders.