Special Branch
Within the Police Service, Special Branch plays a key role in protecting the public from national security threats, especially terrorism and other extremist activity. Through this the unit plays a valuable role in promoting community safety and cohesion.
Special Branches within every Force continue to play an important role in the policing of extremist activity , however, counter terrorist work, in close co-operation with the Security Service (MI5), is currently the main focus of its activity.
Special Branch exists primarily to acquire intelligence, to assess its potential operational value and to contribute more generally to its interpretation. In this way, the unit makes a valuable contribution to the safety of communities across the UK, and in doing so, contributes to local policing needs.
Branches also support the work of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) in carrying out its statutory duties in support of national security.
The unit also assists with providing Ports Policing at all air and sea ports across the Divisions.
Further guidelines on Special Branch work in the UK can be obtained by downloading the following PDF document:
