Swedish Security Service
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Säkerhetspolisen
Unofficial rendering of the coat of arms of the Swedish Security Service (identical to that of the Swedish Police Service).
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Anders Thornberg, Deputy Director-general
The Swedish Security Service (Swedish: Säkerhetspolisen, literally "the Security Police", abbreviated Säpo), former name Rikspolisstyrelsens säkerhetsavdelning (RPS/SÄK, literally "the National Police Board's Department of Security"), is the security service of Sweden, belonging to the Swedish National Police Board.
[edit] Area of responsibility
As the National Security Service's areas of responsibility are counter-espionage, anti-terrorist activities, protection of the constitution and protection of sensitive objects, including royal and diplomatic protection, it is to be expected that its work is often surrounded by a great deal of confidentiality. In recent years, however, there has been a development towards greater openness. It is the duty of the National Security Service to detect and take measures against crimes against national security, and in many cases, the Security Service also handles the investigations of such crimes. Sometimes, however, such investigations are carried out by regular police units, while the Security Service provides the necessary intelligence.
[edit] Military intelligence
Military intelligence operations are legally restricted to departments of the Swedish Armed Forces (MUST, Militära Underrättelse- och Säkerhetstjänsten (Military Intelligence and Security Service)) and separate agencies like the Swedish Defence Radio Establishment (FRA, Försvarets Radioanstalt) and the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI, Totalförsvarets Forskningsinstitut).
