When the FBI Comes Calling…®

British Security Service (BSS) commonly known as MI-5 (United Kingdom)

Founded:    Not known, but its functions were first codified in 1989

Mission:      While MI6 maintains foreign intelligence responsibilities, MI5 provides intelligence to secure the British homeland on a domestic level. With an estimated staff of about 1,900, MI5 acts in part as a repository of law enforcement information and some relevant intelligence information gathered by both GCHQ and MI6, and conducts its own HUMINT and limited TECHINT (IE Wiretapping, etc.) operations domestically.

Structure:    Located under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the director of MI5 is responsible both to the Minister of Home Affairs and the Prime Minister. The primary source of legal authorization for MI5 activities falls within the Security Service Acts of 1989 and 1996.