Security Service work on serious crime (10.05.06)
Following the launch of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (new window), the Security Service has now suspended work on the prevention and detection of serious crime. This will enable the Service to focus further resources on international terrorism, the most serious threat to national security facing the United Kingdom.
Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller, the Director General of the Security Service, commented:
"Since the Security Service Act was amended in 1996 to allow the Service to work in support of the law enforcement agencies in the prevention and detection of serious crime, we have done vital work in this area, in both casework and assessments. Our work has been highly valued and demand for the Service's assistance has always exceeded our capacity to supply it.
However we are now faced by an unprecedented level of priority casework on international terrorism and I have decided, with the Home Secretary's agreement, that we need to withdraw from serious crime casework. The resources freed up will help to reinforce our work on international terrorism."
Further information on the work of the Security Service can be found on the Service's Internet web page "Our Major Areas of Work".
