John D. Garris, NASA
Special Agent in Charge, Computer Crimes Division
Office of Investigations, NASA Office of Inspector General
John Garris is the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Computer Crimes Division, Office of Investigations, NASA Office of Inspector General.
During 2004, then Lieutenant Colonel Garris, was the Chief of the Law Enforcement and Counterintelligence Center for the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Joint Task Force for Global Network Operations, Arlington, VA. He was the senior DoD law enforcement agent responsible for coordinating the computer intrusion investigations of all five DoD criminal and counterintelligence investigative agencies.
From 2001 to 2004, he was the director, Special Operations Division, Head Quarters, Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Andrews AFB, MD. He was the U.S. Air Force’s single manager for computer crimes investigations, technical services countermeasures, polygraph, and counterintelligence support to Information Operations. While deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during this time period, he served both as the Squadron Commander for AFOSI personnel stationed in Turkey, and as the Counterintelligence Coordination Authority for Task Force – North, U.S. Central Command.
From 1999 to 2001, he was the commander of AFOSI Detachment 253, Lackland AFB, TX. In this position, he oversaw the establishment of the first office dedicated to law enforcement and counterintelligence support to Air Force computer network defense and information operations worldwide. His unit was responsible for the initial investigative response to 82 computer intrusions into Air Force and DoD information systems.
From 1997 to 1999, while assigned to the Pentagon, he was the Air Force Inspector General’s program manager for computer crime and information operations. He was instrumental in developing DoD’s first Computer Forensic Laboratory and Training Program. He also spearheaded the development of AFOSI’s participation in DoD’s first Joint Task Force for Computer Network Operations.
From 1995 to 1997, as AFOSI’s International Liaison Officer, he managed programs for international cooperation with counterpart law enforcement and security agencies. He created and directed AFOSI’s first program to locate and apprehended fugitives wanted for committing felony crimes. His efforts resulted in the capture of 24 fugitives.
From 1990 to 1993, Lt Col Garris was the commander of Det 522, Incirlik AB, Turkey. He directed counterintelligence and antiterrorism support to U.S. and multinational forces in Southeastern Turkey and Northern Iraq. He supervised several investigations of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens, as well as directed a number of proactive anti-terrorism and criminal investigations in partnership with Turkish law enforcement authorities. He was selected as AFOSI’s Officer Special Agent of the Year for 1992.
From 1988 to 1990, he served as AFOSI District 69’s Counterintelligence Collections Manager, while assigned to Ankara, Turkey.
From 1986 to 1987, he served as both Deputy Commander and Commander of the AFOSI Office, Tinker AFB, OK
Lieutenant Colonel Garris entered the Air Force in 1984 as a graduate of the Virginia Polytechnic University ROTC program. He commanded AFOSI units in combat zones during operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Northern Watch, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lieutenant Colonel Garris is married to the former Andrea Harnad of Burke, Virginia. They have two children: Samuel and Maxwell.