Policing politics: security intelligence and the liberal democratic state

In: Cass series--studies in intelligence

Abstract

Disturbing allegations of abuse of power have been made against the domestic security intelligence agencies in the UK - police special branches and M15. These include improper surveillance, campaigns of disinformation, even the elimination of people believed to be engaged in political violence. Drawing upon extensive foreign material and making use of the social science concepts of information, power and law, this book develops a framework for the comparative analysis of security intelligence which is then applied to the UK agencies. This discussion includes the ambiguous nature of their mandate regarding 'national security'; the ways in which the agencies penetrate society and gather information; the extent to which they are controlled by ministers; and how their activities might be overseen by outside political bodies, and by citizens in general. The book concludes that a thorough investigation is needed into the allegations that have been made, together with proposals for a more democratic system.