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We are often asked questions about our work and how we operate. This section provides answers to frequently asked questions and tackles some of the near common myths about MI5.

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Who

Where does MI5 piece of work?

Although MI5 is frequently described as the UK's "domestic" intelligence service, our operations aren't purely domestic. Threats to the UK'southward national security often come from overseas. For instance, foreign intelligence services and international terrorist groups seek to target UK interests at home and abroad.

We'll work outside the U.k. where information technology's necessary to protect the Uk'due south national security or to counter security threats to United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland interests such as diplomatic bounds and staff, UK companies and investments, and our citizens living or travelling away.

Dealing with these threats, wherever they ascend, falls within the scope of our functions equally ready out in the Security Service Act 1989. We piece of work closely with other UK agencies and organisations that are involved in dealing with overseas threats to the Uk.

We have a shut working relationship with our sister United kingdom intelligence agencies, SIS and GCHQ, who are responsible for gathering foreign intelligence.

We co-ordinate our activity with the Foreign and Republic Role, which provides travel advice on security threats to UK citizens away. Nosotros also take a number of partnerships with overseas police force forces and intelligence agencies.

Is MI5 the "secret police"?

MI5 isn't a secret police force and our staff don't have the power to detain or arrest people. We're a publicly accountable civilian intelligence system, not a constabulary enforcement agency.

We work closely with the police and other law enforcement agencies to help them bring to justice people who are committing or planning crimes. The intelligence that we produce can oft be admitted as bear witness in criminal trials. Special procedures are in identify for treatment intelligence evidence and disclosures.

Our role is defined in law by the Security Service Human action 1989. This limits our responsibility to protecting the U.k. against threats to national security from espionage, terrorism and demolition, from the activities of agents of foreign powers, and from actions intended to overthrow or undermine parliamentary democracy by political, industrial or fierce ways. The law as well prohibits the states from acting to further the interests of any political political party.

Nosotros're accountable to ministers, parliament and senior judges who serve as commissioners and provide external scrutiny. Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee regularly publishes reports on our work.

Does MI5 produce an annual report?

Yes. The Security Service Human activity 1989 requires the Manager General to produce an almanac report for the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary.

The study is not published for security reasons, as it contains sensitive data on the piece of work of MI5. No version is made available to the public.

However, the independent oversight commissioners and the Intelligence and Security Commission publish their own reports on MI5's work (meet Law and governance).

Would the Manager General of MI5 like to speak at my conference or result?

The Director General receives many invitations to speak at a multifariousness of public events. Unfortunately, force per unit area on his diary means he has to turn down the vast majority.

A relative used to work for MI5, tin can you tell me whatever more?

We can't confirm whether someone who is still live worked for MI5. Nosotros maintain the confidentiality of our staff members' employment throughout their lifetimes to avoid endangering them or the people they worked with.

If y'all believe that a deceased member of your family worked for MI5, you lot can write to us at:

The Enquiries Team
PO Box 3255
London
SW1P 1AE

Delight exist aware that written correspondence posted in the Great britain may take up to a week to reach us.

Please give details of your relative (ideally the full proper noun and appointment of birth), include a copy of their death certificate and state the purpose of your enquiry. We'll then consider all the circumstances of the case and what if whatever information may be released.

Was the former head of MI5 a Soviet agent?

No. Sir Roger Hollis, the Director Full general of MI5 from 1956-1966, was investigated after allegations were made that either he or his deputy, Graham Mitchell, fitted the profile of a long-term undercover Soviet agent. The allegations were made following the exposure of the Cambridge spy ring and the subsequent hunt for other Soviet moles.

The investigation lasted from 1964 to 1971 but came to no firm conclusions. The affair was reviewed in 1975 by Lord Trend, a former Chiffonier Secretary, who found that there was no evidence to prove that either Hollis or Mitchell had been Soviet agents.

An internal review carried out within MI5 in 1988 was strongly critical of the original investigation, concluding that the case against Hollis and Mitchell was "so insubstantial that it should non have been pursued".

Hollis' non-interest with the Soviets was confirmed in the 1980s past a senior KGB defector, Oleg Gordievsky. He has described how the Soviets themselves were baffled by the allegations against Hollis and attributed them to "some mysterious, internal British intrigue".

What is the difference between MI5 and MI6 (Sister)?

MI5 and MI6 (Sister, the Secret Intelligence Service) are both intelligence agencies, but they do different things. The following provides a brief summary:

• MI5 is responsible for protecting the U.k., its citizens and interests, at home and overseas, against threats to national security
• SIS is responsible for gathering intelligence outside the Great britain in support of the government's security, defence, strange and economic policies
  
• MI5 is headed by Ken McCallum (see Managing director Full general).
• SIS is headed by Richard Moore
  
• MI5 is accountable to the Home Secretary (see Constabulary and governance).
• Sis is answerable to the Foreign Secretary
  
• MI5's headquarters are at Thames House, London
• SIS' headquarters are at Vauxhall Cross, London

How realistic is the delineation of MI5 in films and TV serial?

MI5'due south work has been depicted in a number of films and Goggle box serial, notably the BBC's "Spooks" ("MI-5" in the United States). Such works of spy fiction glamorise the world of intelligence and, although they're entertaining, they tend non to exist very realistic.

Our work can certainly be stimulating and highly rewarding. However, in real life a large percentage of our work is routine and painstaking (though vitally important) and wouldn't be at all entertaining to watch. More importantly, different our fictional counterparts nosotros piece of work within the police force. All of our operations are carried out within a legal framework and with careful adventure direction and oversight.

See Working at MI5 to notice out more about what information technology's really similar to work here.

Is MI5 a government department?

Yes. MI5 is a regime department nether the say-so of the Secretary of Country - in practice the Home Secretary.

This has always been the example. Our functions are, however, prepare out past Parliament in the Security Service Act 1989 and we tin but human activity in the pursuit of those functions.

The UK's two other intelligence agencies (SIS and GCHQ) have a similar status, only they're under the authority of the Strange Secretary.

Nosotros don't formulate or implement government policy but we do advise regime departments and the Prime Minister about the current threats to national security. Nosotros likewise provide communication to authorities organisations on protective security measures.

The Security Service Human activity 1989 requires our Director General to ensure that MI5 is apolitical. The government tin can't instruct u.s. to do something for party political reasons.

Where does the name "MI5" come up from and why is this name withal used?

The name dates back to the Get-go World State of war. For part of the state of war, MI5 was the fifth branch of the Directorate of Military Intelligence of the War Office (the predecessor of today'due south Ministry of Defence force).

A number of other "MI" branches existed within this directorate (run across the FAQ "What happened to MI1 - MI4?"). They were later discontinued or absorbed into other organisations, with the exception of our colleagues in Sis (MI6).

MI5 was renamed to the Security Service in 1931 when it merged with Scotland Yard's Special Section, which had like responsibilities for domestic intelligence. We're no longer office of the Uk military establishment, although nosotros do notwithstanding contribute - along with the military - to the overall national security of the United kingdom. We still employ the name "MI5" as shorthand for our official name, the Security Service.

Meet What's in a Name? for more details.

What happened to MI1 - MI4?

MI5 was founded as the Home Section of the Secret Service Bureau. It was part of the State of war Office in the Get-go Earth War, betwixt 1916 and 1918. During this time it was renamed MI5, referring to its status as the 5th co-operative of the Directorate of Military machine Intelligence (run across the FAQ "Where does the proper name "MI5" come from and why is this proper name still used?"). In the Second World War, MI5 was independent of the War Office, though it worked closely with it.

There were a number of MI (Military Intelligence) sections within the War Office's Advisers of Military Intelligence during both the Commencement and 2d World Wars. At that place were eventually x MI sections during the First World War and seventeen by the end of the 2nd World War. The number of MI sections and their precise functions varied considerably as the demands of the war attempt changed.

Few had anything to do with clandestine intelligence. For case, MI4 during the First World War was responsible for supplying military maps, while MI9 during the Second World War helped Allied troops to evade and escape from backside enemy lines.

All of these sections, with the exception of our colleagues in the SIS (MI6), were later discontinued or absorbed into other organisations.

Why was the head of MI5 known as "K"?

In Oct 1909, Captain Vernon Kell of the Due south Staffordshire Regiment and Captain Mansfield Cumming of the Imperial Navy jointly established the Secret Service Agency following a recommendation by the Committee of Imperial Defence, which had been considering the danger from High german espionage.

To come across an boosted requirement from the Admiralty for information near Germany'southward new navy, Kell and Cumming decided to split upward their work. Thereafter, Kell, or "K", was responsible for counter-espionage within the British Isles while Cumming, or "C", had responsibility for gathering intelligence overseas. The two divisions became MI5 and MI6 respectively.

While the caput of MI6 (Sister) is still referred to equally "C" today, the Director General of MI5 has non been known as "Thou" since the 1940s.

Meet The establishment of the Hush-hush Service Agency for the full story of how MI5 was founded.

What does the MI5 crest stand for?

The MI5 crest

The MI5 crest was designed by the tardily Rodney Dennys, the Somerset Herald of Artillery. It was adopted in 1981 with the approval of the Garter Principal Rex of Arms. It as well appears on MI5's official flag with the blessing of Her Majesty the Queen.

At the centre of the crest is a golden winged bounding main-lion on a blue background. This is non to be dislocated with the existent sea lion (a type of seal) simply is a mythological brute, half-lion and half-fish. It represents our historical association with the three armed services. The king of beasts'due south head stands for the Ground forces, the fish's body for the Royal Navy, and the wings for the Imperial Air Strength. Gold traditionally represents virtue. The colour blueish in the background signifies our overseas ties.

Surrounding this central emblem are three further symbols: a light-green cinquefoil (a leaf with five petals), a portcullis and a blood-red rose.

• The cinquefoil'south five petals allude to the "5" in MI5. The colour green has been associated with intelligence since the First Earth State of war.
• The portcullis, traditionally a symbol of parliament, relates to MI5's key task of upholding parliamentary democracy. The crown at the acme of the uppermost portcullis refers to the Crown, the legal embodiment of the State.
• The rose has historical associations with land intelligence piece of work. Sir Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth I's spymaster in the 16th century, used it on his seal. He is widely regarded as the first intelligence chief in British history. The rose's 5-lobed petals are some other innuendo to the "5" in MI5.

At the bottom of the crest is our motto: "Regnum Defende", pregnant "Defend the Realm" in Latin. This refers to a directive issued in 1952 by the then Home Secretary, Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe. Information technology defined MI5'southward mission as being "the Defence of the Realm as a whole" from threats to national security such as espionage, sabotage and subversion.

How many people work for MI5?

We currently use nearly four,400 people. 43% of our employees are women, just over one-half are less than 40 years quondam, nine% are from black or ethnic minority backgrounds and 4% have a inability.

Can I visit MI5's headquarters?

For security reasons, we don't offering public tours of our headquarters, Thames House.

What

What are the biggest electric current threats to national security?

Terrorism is the biggest national security threat that the Great britain currently faces. Our highest priority is the threat of international terrorism. Terrorist organisations based in Northern Ireland besides proceed to pose a serious threat.

Espionage (including cyber espionage) from strange states is still a significant problem. Despite the end of the Common cold War, at to the lowest degree 20 foreign intelligence services are still actively operating confronting Britain interests. Russian and Chinese intelligence activities are an ongoing concern.

The proliferation of weapons of mass devastation (WMD) also continues to pose a threat to international peace and stability. Several countries are actively pursuing WMD programmes and have sought to illicitly obtain equipment and expertise from the UK.

The statutory footing under which MI5 operates authorises us to investigate subversion and serious crime. However, we no longer investigate either of these issues. Subversion is no longer seen as a significant threat and countering serious crime is now the responsibility of the National Crime Agency (NCA).

What is the electric current national threat level?

The electric current UK threat level for international terrorism is SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely.

The current threat level for Northern Ireland-related terrorism is Astringent in Northern Ireland (an attack is highly probable) and MODERATE in United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland (an attack is possible, simply not likely).

For more information, see Threat levels.

How does the UK'southward threat level alert organization work?

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) analyses intelligence relating to international terrorism and produces classified assessments of the threats for a range of government departments and agencies.
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For more data, run into Threat levels.

Does MI5 spy on or harass Muslims?

Nosotros don't investigate any group or individual on the grounds of their ethnicity or religious behavior. MI5 is committed to protecting the security of all of the U.k.'due south citizens, of every religion and indigenous group. Nosotros simply deport out investigations if at that place is a clear national security reason for doing so.

Some international terrorist groups back up an extreme interpretation of Islam that is widely rejected by ordinary Muslims and Islamic scholars. They accept been responsible for many terrorist attacks effectually the globe. MI5's largest single expanse of work is the endeavor to counter such extremist terrorist groups.

Al Qaida, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and similar groups are often indiscriminate when carrying out attacks. Muslims are often themselves the victims of violence carried out by terrorists who claim to be acting in the name of Islam.

We employ staff of all religions, including Muslims. We are committed to recruiting a diverse range of staff from all backgrounds. This enables u.s. to benefit from their different perspectives and experience. Run across Languages for information about employment opportunities for British citizens who speak other languages.

Does MI5 "vet" every public sector employee?

MI5 doesn't have any responsibleness for the full general vetting of candidates for public sector employment.

The Security Service Deed 1989 imposes strict controls on how we may apply or disclose information on individuals. We can only disclose data to assist employment decisions if nosotros do so in accord with arrangements canonical by the Habitation Secretarial assistant.

The provisions mentioned in the Human action hateful we play a function in vetting candidates for sensitive government posts. Nevertheless, our role is confined solely to checking our records.

If when we cheque nosotros find that nosotros have a significant and relevant security record on an bidder, we may provide a summary assessment of the security information. However, the mere beingness of an MI5 record does not necessarily mean that an assessment volition be made.

At that place is no "blacklist" and decisions on employing staff are the responsibility of the department concerned. Nosotros don't investigate or interview candidates on their behalf.

For more information on how vetting is used in government, see HMG Personnel Security Controls.

Does MI5 "vet" Ministers and Members of Parliament?

Ministers and MPs are non subject field to vetting.

Nosotros'll tell an incoming Prime Minister nigh any information we hold on a potential member of the new Cabinet just if that information raises serious national security concerns and but if information technology appears likely that the individual concerned volition need access to sensitive data.

A like arrangement has been in performance for the Official Opposition since 1992. The Leader of the Opposition is briefed on any serious security upshot concerning a possible member of the Shadow Cabinet. This is necessary because members of the Shadow Cabinet are often briefed on security issues.

These arrangements take only ever been used on a very pocket-sized number of occasions since MI5 was established over a hundred years ago.

Does MI5 investigate Whitehall "leaks" or lost information?

MI5 does not ordinarily investigate leaks or lost information. The exception is where national security may take been afflicted.

The Heart for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) will conduct an audit of security plans inside other government departments on request. Information technology as well gives security advice to government departments and other organisations responsible for critical national infrastructure.

However, the CPNI and MI5 don't have whatever role in policing the security of government departments. It is the responsibility of each department to ensure that their data is handled securely and that whatever loss of data is investigated, possibly involving the police if required.

Does MI5 monitor the individual lives of public figures?

MI5 doesn't routinely monitor the private lives of prominent people and never simply because of their high contour. We will only carry out an investigation if there'south a clear national security reason for doing so.

Our investigations are express by the Security Service Human action 1989 to protecting the United kingdom's national security and economic well-being.

In the past nosotros have occasionally investigated public figures where there have been concerns that they may have been involved in problems of concern to national security. Files relating to some historical cases have been released to The National Archives. See MI5 at The National Archives for more information.

Does MI5 investigate merchandise unions and pressure groups?

MI5 has from time to time been accused of systematically investigating trade unions and force per unit area groups such every bit the National Matrimony of Mineworkers and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

We have never investigated people simply considering they were involved with trade unions or campaigning organisations. The Security Service Act 1989 requires u.s. to be politically neutral and non human activity for the benefit of whatever political party. We only investigate matters that affect national security, within the remit set out in the Act.

In the by, subversion was seen every bit a pregnant threat. In a 1975 House of Lords contend, the and then Habitation Office Government minister Lord Harris of Greenwich defined subversive activities as those "which threaten the prophylactic or well-existence of the state and which are intended to overthrow or undermine parliamentary commonwealth past political, industrial or fierce ways."

As the then Home Secretary Douglas Hurd later put it, "the sole benchmark in relation to a subversive threat is whether at that place is a deliberate intention to undermine parliamentary democracy and whether that presents a real threat to the security of the nation." The Security Service Act 1989 gave this criterion the force of law.

Some destructive groups sought to infiltrate and dispense other organisations as a manner of exerting political influence. This was a particular business during the Cold War and before, when there were fears that mainstream organisations were existence used as front end groups or were being infiltrated by the far left and far right for anti-democratic purposes.

To meet our responsibility for protecting national security, nosotros investigated individual members of bona fide organisations where there were grounds to believe that a 18-carat destructive threat existed. We investigated the activities of destructive groups but not the organisations they sought to penetrate. Such investigations were carried out within the laws and processes that applied at the time.

The threat of subversion is now regarded as negligible and nosotros exercise not currently comport out investigations in this area. A number of files on historical cases apropos suspected destructive activity have been released to The National Archives, where the public can view them (run across MI5 at The National Athenaeum).

How

Does MI5 carry out illegal surveillance or eavesdropping?

We don't tap telephones or install eavesdropping equipment illegally.

Our intelligence gathering methods are governed by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Human activity 2000. This requires united states to become permission from the Secretary of State - in practice, the Home Secretary - to permit us to use intrusive investigative methods.

Where an eavesdropping functioning would also involve our officers entering or interfering with a holding, a separate warrant has to exist obtained nether the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

In all cases, a rigorous process is carried out within MI5 to ensure that whatsoever application for a warrant is both necessary and justified.

Our use of these intrusive powers is subject area to oversight past two independent commissioners. The Interception of Communications Commissioner and the Intelligence Services Commissioner check that we are using these powers correctly.

How can I get an MI5 agent?

An agent, or Covert Homo Intelligence Source, is someone who works for us to obtain secret intelligence. They're ane of our well-nigh important sources of intelligence. Agents are not employed past MI5 and at that place is no formal application process to get an agent.

Agent operations, run strictly in accordance with the relevant legislation, are handled by specially trained MI5 officers. The rubber of our agents and their families is ever paramount.

If you know something specific about a threat to national security, we would like to hear from you. You tin can send us your information in confidence via the Contact us page of this website (an alternative telephone number and address are also provided).

If yous would like us to get in touch with you, please also include your contact details.

Although our members of staff are often erroneously described as "agents", we refer to them as officers. Vacancies for new officers are publicly advertised through this website - see Careers for more data on what jobs are currently available and how you can apply for them.

Tin can you lot help me to protect my business or my family unit confronting terrorism?

In that location are a number of organisations that provide advice on how to protect against terrorism and other threats. To find out more, see What you can do.

How do I report something to MI5?

If y'all know something that y'all think would help us in countering national security threats like terrorism or espionage, please arrive touch (see contact us). Please note that we tin't help with issues that don't chronicle to national security.

Is MI5 investigating me and how tin I get access to its records?

We just investigate individuals whose activities relate to threats to the United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland'south national security, which the Security Service Act 1989 defines every bit:

• espionage, terrorism and sabotage;
• the activities of agents of foreign powers;
• deportment intended to overthrow or undermine parliamentary democracy past political, industrial or violent means (subversion);
• serious criminal offense (though we have suspended investigative activity in this area since 2006).

Unless you've been involved with such a threat it is very unlikely that we'd ever take had any involvement in you.

The Information Protection Deed 1998 (DPA) gives individuals the right to apply for access to personal data relating to them. This is known equally a "bailiwick admission request". However, under the exemption provision in section 28 of the DPA, requests for information may exist declined in cases where information technology is necessary to safeguard national security.

Subject admission requests should be made in writing and a fee will be charged. MI5'due south Information Controller considers on a case by case footing whether exemption from the access provisions is required and justified on the grounds of national security.

Members of the public who are not satisfied with a answer to a subject access request may appeal to the Information Tribunal (see Admission to information).

How can I make a complaint about something MI5 has done?

MI5 but investigates individuals whose activities fall within the remit set out in the Security Service Human activity 1989.

If you believe you have been the subject of improper enquiries or other actions past MI5, y'all can complain to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. This independent Tribunal considers complaints relating to the activities covered by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, and also hears proceedings brought nether the Human Rights Human activity 1998.

The accost of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal is:

PO Box 33220
London
SW1H 9ZQ

Careers

How many people work for MI5?

We currently employ virtually 4,400 people. More than 43% of staff are women, the boilerplate historic period of our employees is 39, over 9% are from black or ethnic minority backgrounds and 4% accept a inability.

Are MI5 staff prohibited from saying annihilation near the Service?

MI5 deals with very sensitive information. Lives may be put at risk if sensitive data is disclosed carelessly. This makes it vital to manage information properly and release information technology only when absolutely necessary.

Section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1989 prohibits our current and one-time staff from making unauthorised disclosures of information apropos security or intelligence that they caused while working for MI5. We tin can only pass on information as is necessary for purposes of protecting national security.

The Official Secrets Act does not prohibit disclosures of unimportant matters. Still, we propose our staff to be aware of the sensitivities and potential risks when discussing their involvement with or knowledge of MI5.

What type of person does MI5 recruit?

There's no such thing as "a typical MI5 officer".

We seek to recruit from all areas of the Britain and all sections of society. Our staff members come up from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, reflecting the variety of the communities in the Uk that we serve.

MI5 is an equal opportunities employer. 43% of our staff are women and just over half of our staff are under the age of 40. An increasing number of staff members (currently around nine%) are from black or ethnic minority backgrounds, and four% have a disability.

See Careers for more information about our current vacancies and working at MI5.

Is it possible to piece of work for MI5 and have a normal family life?

Yeah. MI5 takes the welfare of its staff very seriously.

We piece of work to ensure that our staff have a healthy piece of work/life balance with reasonable working hours. Most roles provide a broad range of flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time, job-sharing and compressed hours.

We offer generous maternity and paternity leave. There is a potent support network within MI5 to provide advice and assistance for our staff.

For more data, please see Careers.

I'm having bug making an application for a job - who should I contact?

If y'all're having issues with the careers part of our website, delight contact our recruitment team on 0845 450 2152 or at [email protected]. If your enquiry is urgent then please ring the recruitment team.

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Fact or Fiction

MI5 in one case used Wormwood Scrubs prison as our headquarters

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Source: https://www.mi5.gov.uk/faq/how-realistic-is-the-depiction-of-mi5-in-films-and-tv-series

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