How we work
The jurisdiction of the Security Information Service is clearly defined by Act No. 153/1994 Coll., on the Intelligence Services. That means that the Service is authorized to acquire, gather and subsequently analyze and evaluate intelligence only in areas specified by law. Its role does not consist in collecting evidence which leads to arrest and indictment, but in identifying threats, issuing early warnings and taking steps designed to eliminate the threats. In this respect its work differs from that of the police, who do not intervene before a criminal offence is committed.
The law also specifies the recipients of the information output from BIS. They include, in the first place, the Government and the President of the Czech Republic, who also have exclusive right to task the Service, but again only within the limits set by Act no. 153/1994 Coll., on the Intelligence Services. BIS may also pass certain findings to government bodies, provided such information falls within their respective jurisdiction and its sharing does not endanger the aim which the Service pursues in the given matter.
The Security Information Service is an exclusively intelligence organization without any executive powers. It may not detain, arrest, interrogate, give orders and force anyone to anything. If it approaches a citizen with a question or query, it is entirely up to the citizen whether he/she will grant its request or not. Neither does the Service take any decision on its findings. Specific reaction to the outputs its work is solely in the competence of their recipients.
In order to be able to fulfil its mission, BIS has to work in a secret mode, but always in strict compliance with law. When gathering information, it is allowed to use intelligence means and co-operate with persons acting on its behalf (agents). It acquires a large number of findings from open sources, is in contact with the police, and intensively communicates with partner organizations in the Czech Republic and abroad. It does not shut itself off from the public, and looks for ways of communicating with citizens.
Intelligence means
The term „intelligence means“ comprises:
- Intelligence technology
- Surveillance
- Cover means and documents
The use of intelligence technology is subject to approval by the President of a High Court Senate, decision regarding the use of surveillance is taken by the Service Director or a senior officer designated by him.
Agents
Only a person older than 18 years may become an agent (person acting on behalf of the Service). Every citizen can offer the Service his/her co-operation, but in most cases the Service chooses its agents itself. BIS uses agents for gathering information solely in areas specified by law as lying within its remit. It has the legal duty to protect its agents from exposure as well as from defamation, bodily harm and damage to property which they might suffer in connection with their work for BIS.
Open sources
Open sources include e.g. the daily and periodical press, radio and television broadcasts, internet, various publications, books etc. Various lectures, symposia, conferences and any other activities at which information is provided or exchanged and which take place in public, freely accessible premises are regarded as open sources, too.
Co-operation within the Czech Republic
BIS intelligence partners in the Czech Republic include The Office for Foreign Relations and Information (Czech Intelligence Agency, reporting to the Ministry of the Interior) a Military Intelligence (falling under the defence department). The law also makes it possible for the Service to co-operate with the police, on the basis of agreements concluded with the relevant police bodies.
International Co-operation
Co-operation with partner intelligence services abroad is irreplaceable and of key value for BIS. Its essential importance pre-determines the basic mission of the Service in protecting the Czech Republic against global threats which exceed the frontiers of states and continents. Currently BIS maintains contacts with almost 80 intelligence services in close to 60 countries, with which it annually exchanges several thousands of reports and holds hundreds of personal meeting with their representatives.
Communication with the public
These internet pages are one form of communication with the public. No journalists’ question remains without an answer (though sometimes it has to be only general). The Service also reaches citizens through its public Annual Reports. The purpose and goal of this communication is to „de-demonize“ the Service and convince the public that its raison d’être is to protect the citizens and act in their interest. In many cases, BIS cannot do without public support, and it will be the more successful, the more citizens it has on its side. The Security Information Service can be directly contacted at its e-mail address: info@bis.cz.