#Your Guide to Gibbs’ Rules

If you’re going to be on Gibbs’ (Mark Harmon) team on NCIS, live by these.

Rule #1: Never let suspects sit together.

Other 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: Best way to keep a secret: Keep it to yourself. Second best: 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.

Richard Foreman/CBS

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 #22: Never, ever bother Gibbs in interrogation.

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

Rule #27: Two ways to follow someone. First way, they never notice you. Second way, they only notice you.

Rule #28: When you need help, ask.

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.

NCIS, Mondays, 9/8c, CBS