Special Public Security Bureau 9
| Bureau spécial d'sûreté publique 9 | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1958 |
| Jurisdiction | Gylias |
| Parent department | Ministry of Intelligence Services |
| Website | http://www.spsb9.gov.gls/ |
The Special Public Security Bureau 9 (French reformed: Bureau spécial d'sûreté publique 9), abbreviated SPSB9 (BSSP9), is an administrative agency that functions as Gylias' national intelligence agency.
History
During the Liberation War, the Free Territories set up multiple agencies to carry out intelligence activities. The Special Public Security Bureau 9 was one of a series of these, and gradually gained a higher profile as intelligence work became more organised.
When the war ended, all intelligence agencies were consolidated under the aegis of the SPSB9. Its first director, Motoko Kusanagi, had a strong impact on the agency's organisation, working methods, and public reputation.
The SPSB9 has developed close relations and cooperation with other Common Sphere states' intelligence agencies, and observes mutual non-interference and intelligence-sharing agreements with them.
There have been proposals to rename the SPSB9 to something more in line with Tyranian intelligence agencies over the years, none successful.
Organisation
It is an administrative agency that reports to the Ministry of Intelligence Services.
It is divided into 20 departments, one for each region.
At the federal level, the SPSB9 is divided into 5 bureaus:
- Counter-Intelligence Bureau
- Counter-Terrorism Bureau
- Cybersecurity Bureau
- Surveillance Bureau
- Anti-Sabotage Bureau
- Research and Analysis Bureau
Each bureau in turn has specialised subdivisions related to its responsibilities.
Responsibilities
The SPSB9 is responsible for the protection of Gylian sovereignty and countering activities that threaten the democratic order. Its responsibilities include intelligence gathering, counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism, surveillance of potentially dangerous groups and individuals, and protecting sensitive communications.
Its activities in practice focus more on foreign intelligence gathering and analysis, as domestic intelligence is handled by other agencies such as the Popular Guards and the Directorate for the Protection of the Constitution.
The SPSB9 coordinates with and assist various law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and provides analysis and reports to the Office of Intelligence so that it may advise the Cabinet.
Accountability
Compared to other Tyranian intelligence agencies, the SPSB9 has embraced an ethos of "radical transparency", which is central to its working methods and credibility.
The SPSB9 is overseen by several institutions, including Parliament's Permanent Committee on Intelligence and Security, the Office of the Public Advocate, and the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
It operates under stringent regulation and freedom of information principles. Classification is restricted, and can only be done if it damages SPSB9 employees' work or endangers sources, for a maximum of 10 years. Most information related to the agency is publicly available, such as number of employees and distribution by department and bureau. Some information is restricted to protect employees' privacy, but can be made available by court order.
All information related to concluded operations is immediately made available to the public. The SPSB9 Director must present a yearly report of the agency's work to Parliament in person, and answer any questions related to its activities from the public or legislators. Failure to release information in a timely manner and the absence of classification is illegal.
Any targeted surveillance operations are carried out only with a court order, recommended by a public procurator and signed by a judge. Court orders must have a specified purpose, target, and cannot last longer than 14 days. All data gathered by surveillance is destroyed except for that retained as evidence, either inculpatory or exculpatory. Violating the process or legal framework of targeted surveillance automatically makes evidence inadmissible in court.
Personnel
The SPSB9 uses the same assessments and training methods as law enforcement, and similar ranks as the Gylian Police. Personnel are referred to as "intelligence agents", never "officers" or similar military terminology.
Impact
The SPSB9 enjoys a high degree of public trust for its radical transparency, commitment to public accountability, and focus on protecting the democratic order. A majority of Gylians surveyed express confidence in the agency's work, and it has a high reputation akin to the Gylian Police.
The stringent regime that it functions under has also been cited in a regional context, in debates about powers and accountability of intelligence and law enforcement.
The SPSB9's unique traits in the context of Gylian society have influenced Gylian spy fiction, exemplified by series such as Agent Jane.