The 91 Secrets Of Leroy Jethro Gibbs: A Deep Dive Into The Rules Still Guiding NCIS In 2025

For over two decades, the moral and operational compass of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has been a seemingly simple, yet profoundly complex, collection of maxims known as Gibbs’ Rules. As of the current date in 2025, even with Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) officially retired and living in Alaska, his philosophy continues to be the foundational DNA of the entire NCIS franchise, influencing the actions of agents like Timothy McGee, Nick Torres, and even the teams in *NCIS: Hawaiʻi* and *NCIS: Sydney*. These rules, which number at least 91 in total, are more than just crime-fighting tips; they are a character study of a man shaped by tragedy, a code of honor, and a masterclass in survival for any federal agent. The rules, which range from practical crime scene management to personal life advice, were first introduced by Gibbs in the pilot episode to Caitlin "Kate" Todd and have since been cited, broken, and re-contextualized hundreds of times. This is the definitive, updated guide to the most essential, obscure, and currently relevant rules that continue to define the NCIS universe.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs: The Man Behind the Code

Before diving into the rules themselves, understanding the man who created them is crucial. The rules are a direct reflection of Gibbs's life, his military background, and the profound tragedy of losing his first wife, Shannon, and daughter, Kelly, to a drug cartel hitman.

• Full Name: Leroy Jethro Gibbs
• Rank/Title: Special Agent in Charge (Retired)
• Service: United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper (Retired)
• Spouses: Shannon Gibbs (deceased), Diane Sterling (ex-wife), Rebecca Chase (ex-wife), Stephanie Flynn (ex-wife)
• Children: Kelly Gibbs (deceased)
• Mentor: Mike Franks (also a source for some early rules)
• First Appearance: *JAG* (Season 8, Episode 20, "Ice Queen")
• Portrayed By: Mark Harmon
• Current Status (as of 2025): Retired, last seen fishing in Naktok, Alaska.

The Foundational Rules: The Core of NCIS Procedure

These are the rules that every rookie NCIS agent must know. They form the bedrock of the team's operational protocol and are the ones most frequently cited by the senior agents, particularly Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) and Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama).

Rule #1 (The Dual Mandate): Gibbs has two versions of his first rule, reflecting his professional and personal priorities.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

• Rule #1a: "Never let suspects stay together." This was the first rule ever stated on the show, in the pilot episode, "Yankee White" (Season 1, Episode 1). It is a purely tactical rule to prevent suspects from coordinating their stories or escaping.
• Rule #1b: "Never screw over your partner." This version, revealed by former NCIS Director Jenny Shephard (Lauren Holly) in "Blowback" (Season 4, Episode 14), highlights Gibbs's deep-seated loyalty and trust, which he values above all else in a team environment.

Rule #2: "Always wear gloves at a crime scene." A fundamental rule of forensic science and crime scene integrity. It prevents contamination, a lesson he learned from his mentor, Mike Franks.

Rule #3: "Don't believe what you're told. Double check." The essence of investigative work. It emphasizes skepticism and the reliance on evidence over testimony, a principle often repeated by Agent McGee.

Rule #4: "The best way to keep a secret: keep it to yourself. Second best: tell one other person if you must. There is no third best." This rule is a cautionary tale about trust and the corrosive nature of secrets, a theme that has driven many major storylines in the series, including those involving Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

Rule #12: "Never date a coworker." A rule frequently broken by various members of the NCIS team, including DiNozzo and Ziva, and later by Jimmy Palmer and Agent Knight. Its constant violation highlights the intense, family-like environment of the MCRT.

Rule #18: "It's better to ask forgiveness than permission." A rule that champions decisive action and cutting through bureaucracy, even if it means bending the rules. This rule made a significant return in the spin-off *NCIS: Sydney*, where Agent Mackey (Olivia Swann) directly quoted it in the series' first episode, suggesting a shared history or philosophy with Gibbs.

The Obscure & Personal Rules: A Glimpse Into Gibbs's Soul

As the series progressed, the rules became less about procedure and more about personal philosophy, revealing the deeper, often painful, wisdom Gibbs had accumulated. These rules are rarely cited but carry immense weight when they appear.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

Rule #39: "There's no such thing as a coincidence." This rule is the ultimate expression of Gibbs's "gut feeling" and his belief that every detail is connected. It was revealed in "Obsession" (Season 7, Episode 21) and is a favorite of fans who appreciate his intuitive approach to crime-solving.

Rule #40: "If it seems like someone is out to get you, they are." This is the rule of paranoia and caution, reflecting Gibbs's history of dealing with powerful, corrupt enemies. It was referenced in a crossover episode of *NCIS: Hawaiʻi*, demonstrating the rules' reach across the entire franchise.

Rule #45: "Clean up the mess that you make." Also phrased as "Never leave behind loose ends." This rule is a moral imperative about taking responsibility for one's actions, regardless of the consequences. It’s a powerful, self-reflective rule that speaks to the need for closure in life, not just in a case.

Rule #51: "Sometimes—you're wrong." This is arguably the most vulnerable and profound rule. It was the central theme of the episode "Rule Fifty-One" (Season 7, Episode 24), which saw Gibbs contemplating his past and his actions. It’s an admission of human fallibility and a reminder to be open to self-correction, even for a legendary agent.

Rule #72: "Always be open to new ideas." This rule was explicitly revealed on *NCIS: Hawaiʻi* (Season 1, Episode 13, "Spies Part II"). Its introduction in a spin-off is a subtle nod to the franchise's evolution, suggesting that even Gibbs, the traditionalist, understood the need for the next generation to adapt and innovate in the face of new challenges.

Rule #91: "When you decide to walk away, never look back." This rule, revealed after Gibbs's departure, is the ultimate summation of his final decision to retire to Alaska. It explains his clean break from the team and the series, serving as his final piece of advice to himself and his former agents.

The Continuing Legacy: Gibbs’ Rules in the Post-Harmon Era

Though Mark Harmon left *NCIS* in Season 19, the rules remain a continuous presence in Season 21 and the global NCIS universe. The rules have transitioned from being Gibbs’s personal code to becoming the institutional wisdom of the entire agency.

The Rules as Mentorship

The current NCIS team, led by Special Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole), still references the rules, but their usage has shifted. Instead of being dictated by Gibbs, they are now used by the senior agents—McGee, Torres, and Knight (Katrina Law)—to mentor the newer generation. McGee, in particular, has become the de facto historian of the rules, citing them to provide context and guidance, ensuring the philosophy of Leroy Jethro Gibbs lives on.

Global Integration in Spin-Offs

The introduction of Rules #18 and #72 in *NCIS: Sydney* and *NCIS: Hawaiʻi*, respectively, is the clearest evidence that the rules are now an official, cross-divisional foundation for the entire NCIS organization. This global integration reinforces topical authority by expanding the concept beyond the original Washington D.C. office. The rules are no longer just a quirky character trait but a universal code that connects the various NCIS teams across the world, proving that Gibbs's influence is bigger than the man himself.

The total number of rules is rumored to be 91, though only a fraction have ever been officially revealed on screen. The mystery surrounding the unrevealed rules—like #13 ("Bad things happen to bad people"), which Gibbs famously crossed out and replaced—keeps the speculation alive for fans. Whether for tactical advantage or personal survival, Gibbs's Rules will remain the most enduring and fascinating element of the *NCIS* franchise for years to come.