‘NCIS’ – Your Guide to Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ Rules

Looking for a definitive guide to NCIS Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ rules? You’ve come to the right place!

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Throughout NCIS‘s 14 seasons and counting, NCIS Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs has helped to provide his team members and the millions of viewers watching from home with an extensive series of rules to live by. Lovingly known as Gibb’s Rules, this list of guidelines has gradually been unveiled by our favorite NCIS leader across the years when circumstances permitted.

The now infamous list of rules, began unraveling way back in the series debut episode “Yankee White,” as Rules No. 1-3 were shared by Gibbs as his team worked to solve a series of mysterious deaths connected to an assassination attempt on the President of the United States. As the years progressed, new rules have gradually been added to the list which spawned from a conversation Gibbs’ once had with his first wife in which she noted that everyone must have a code to live by – a revolution that was not revealed until Season 6.

Due to the sporadic reveal of Gibbs’ rules, it can seem impossible at times to keep track of all of the rules Gibbs chooses to live by. However, after some extensive research, we’ve divided our official NCIS rulebook complete with all 36 of Gibbs’ current rules so that you never have to go another day without a digital copy of television’s most iconic rules to live by!

Gibbs’ Rules

Rule No. 1 – Never let suspects stay together.

Rule No. 1 – Never screw (over) your partner.

Rule No. 2 – Always wear gloves at a crime scene.

Rule No. 3 – Don’t believe what you’re told. Double check.

Rule No. 3 – Never be unreachable.

Rule No. 4 – If you have a secret, the best thing is to keep it to yourself. The second-best is to tell one other person is you must. There is no this best.

Rule No. 5 – You don’t waste good.

Rule No. 6 – Never say you’re sorry. It’s a sign of weakness.

Rule No. 7 – Always be specific when you lie.

Rule No. 8 – Never take anything for granted.

Rule No. 9  – Never go anywhere without a knife.

Rule No. 10 – Never get personally involved in a case.

Rule No. 11 – When the job is done, walk away.

Rule No. 12 – Never date a co-worker.

Rule No. 13 – Never, ever involve a lawyer.

Rule No. 14  – Bend the line, don’t break it.

Rule No. 15 – Always work as a team.

Rule No. 16 – If someone things that have the upper hand, break it.

Rule No. 18 – It’s better to seek forgiveness than ask permission.

Rule No. 20 – Always look under.

Rule No. 22 – Never, ever bother Gibbs in interrogation.

Rule No. 23 – Never mess with a Marine’s coffee… If you want to live.

Rule No. 27 – There are two ways to follow someone. First way, they never notice you. Second way, they only notice you.

Rule No. 28 – If you need help, ask!

Rule No. 35 – Always watch the watchers.

Rule No. 36 – If you feel like you are being played, you probably are.

Rule No. 38 – Your case, your lead.

Rule No. 39 – There is no such thing as coincidence.

Rule No. 40 – If it seems someone is out to get you, they are.

Rule No. 42 – Never accept an apology from someone who just sucker-punched you.

Rule No. 44 – First things first, hide the women and children.

Rule No. 45 – Clean up the mess you leave behind; never leave behind loose ends.

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Rule No. 51 – Sometimes, you’re wrong.

Rule No. 62 – Leave room for someone exiting the elevator.

Rule No. 69 – Never trust a woman who doesn’t trust her man.

Rule No. 70 – Keep digging till you hit bottom.

NCIS airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS. Be sure to tune in!