Civil liberties are freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights—the first 10 Amendments of the United States Constitution, such as: 

• Freedom of speech, 
• Freedom of religion, and 
• Freedom from unreasonable search and seizures. 

Civil liberties protect individuals from improper government action and arbitrary government interference. Federal laws enacted by Congress further protect civil liberties. Section 803 of Public Law 110-53, Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (“9/11 Commission Act”), requires that certain Federal law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Defense (DOD), appoint a senior official to advise on civil liberties and meet certain statutory requirements. Learn more about the DOD-level Civil Liberties Program.  

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) Privacy and Civil Liberties Office (PCLO) supports compliance with Federal privacy, security, and civil liberties laws, and DOD regulations and guidelines, by providing training, adjudicating civil liberties complaints, and adhering to other program requirements. The DHA is committed to protecting the civil liberties of its workforce (civilian employees, uniformed service members, and contractors), customers (active duty, Veterans and family members), and members of the public.