Intelligence operations rely on high quality record keeping and information management systems.
Some intelligence leads are too fragmentary or imprecise to be of immediate value. Nevertheless, small details are important because collectively they provide the raw material on which the assessment is based, against which new intelligence is judged, and from which further investigations can be developed. Information and records management is a core business activity in the Service, supporting sustained, integrated research and analysis which underpins our work.
Our records include both paper and electronic files. Paper files remain important to the Service but we have made extensive use of computer systems for the indexing and retrieval of records for many years. Electronic documents and data are of growing importance to us and we continue to develop our electronic records management system.
The Service may obtain information only so far as is necessary for the proper discharge of its functions set out in the Security Service Act 1989 (new window). We may disclose information only to fulfil our statutory purposes, for the prevention or detection of serious crime or for the purpose of any criminal proceedings.
There are particular limitations placed on the product of intercepted communications to ensure that the safeguards set down by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (new window) (RIPA) are fully complied with.
Access to particularly sensitive information, including within the Service, is limited by a number of additional controls.