A Complete List of Gibbs’ Rules

NCIS: Origins introduced Gibbs’ rules in Episode 3 of the show, and though the show is still very far from the man who lives by these rules, the rules are an integral part of who Gibbs is and who he will become. But what are Gibbs’ rules?

Over the course of NCIS, Leroy Jethro Gibbs introduced his team to his list of rules. We never had a complete list, and by the time Gibbs left NCIS in Season 19, it seemed like we would never get a complete one. This was just one of those mysteries that was always set to remain a mystery. Except NCIS: Origins now introduced the rules and gave us two new ones, in one fell swoop. So, with the return of the rules, we figured we’d put together a list of the Gibbs rules we have actually gotten so far.

So, without further ado, here’s an (incomplete) list of Gibbs’ rules. And yes, there are two number ones! Don’t blame us, blame Gibbs.

MORE: What did we think of NCIS: Origins Episode 1 & 2? Here’s our review!

Rule #1: Never let suspects sit together.

Rule #1: Never screw over your partner.

Rule #2: Always wear gloves at a crime scene.

Rule #3: Never believe what you are told. Double-check.

Other Rule #3: Never be unreachable.

Rule #4: The best way to keep a secret is to keep it to yourself. The second best is to tell one other person — if you must. There is no third best.

Rule #5: You don’t waste good.

Rule #6: Never say you’re sorry.

Rule #7: Always be specific when you lie.

Rule #8: Never take anything for granted.

Rule #9: Never go anywhere without a knife.

Rule #10: Never get involved personally on a case.

Rule #11: When the job is done, walk away.

Rule #12: Never date a coworker.

Rule #13: Never involve lawyers.

Rule #14: Bend the line, don’t break it.

Rule #15: Always work as a team.

Rule #16: If someone thinks he has the upper hand, break it.

Rule #18: It’s better to seek forgiveness than ask permission.

Rule #20: Always look under.

Rule #21: No man is ever above or below the law

Rule #22: Never, ever bother Gibbs in interrogation.

Rule #23: Never mess with a Marine’s coffee if you want to live.

Rule #24: There’s no such thing as perfect timing.

Rule #27: Two ways to follow someone. The first way, they never notice you. The second way, is they only notice you.

Rule #28: When you need help, ask.

Rule #29: Lean to obey before you command.

Rule #35: Always watch the watchers.

Rule #36: If it feels like you’re being played, you probably are.

Rule #38: Your case, you’re lead.

Rule #39: There is no such thing as a coincidence.

Rule #40: If it seems like someone’s out to get you, they are.

Rule #42: Never accept an apology from somebody who just sucker-punched you.

Rule #44: First things first, hide the women and children.

Rule #45: Left a mess I gotta clean up.

Rule #51: Sometimes you’re wrong.

Rule #62: Always give people space when they get off an elevator.

Rule #69: Never trust a woman who doesn’t trust her man.

Rule #91: When you decide to walk away, never look back.

Did we miss any rules? Are you in favor of following these rules? Share with us in the comments below!

NCIS: Origins airs on Mondays at 10/9c on CBS.