Security Information Service

Counter-intelligence service of the Czech Republic

Who we are

The Security Information Service is an intelligence institution of the Czech State, active within the Czech Republic. It reports to and is audited by the Government of the Czech Republic, and its operation is regulated by Act No. 153/1994 Coll., on the Security Information Service. The Service has the status of an armed component, its members are have the status of employees in relation to it, they hold military ranks, and are authorized to carry arms, which they may however use only in self-defence and in situations of extreme emergency, just as any other citizen.

The jurisdiction of BIS is defined by Act No. 153/1994 Coll., on the Intelligence Services of the Czech Republic. The findings made by it are passed to the Government and the President of the Czech Republic. As an institution, BIS is strictly apolitical and has no repressive powers – it can neither detain, nor arrest and interrogate suspects. In its activities it consistently observes human rights and freedoms, and in case of their inevitable breach always acts in compliance with the respective legislation.

In spite of the secret nature of its work, which is necessary for the fulfilment of the tasks with which it has been entrusted, BIS is a service of a democratic state and is funded through the collection of taxes. Therefore the tax payers have the right to know what it does and how it works.

The message which the Security Information Service seeks to convey to all citizens could be summed up as follows:
Unless you are a terrorist or a spy, and as long as you do nothing to jeopardize the democratic system, the security and economic interests of the state, do not disclose confidential information, are not involved in organized crime and maintain no contact with people who do not have a clear conscience in these respects, you do not have the slightest reason to fear our interest in your person.

A word by BIS Director

„I am well aware of the highly contradictory image which BIS has among the public. Therefore I wish to start with assuring you that the Security Information Service is not your enemy; it does not pry into your private life nor your political leanings. Our task is to acquire information about the most serious threats to the security of the Czech Republic, to democracy and freedom. We will not allow anybody ever to abuse the authority and the tools available to the Service in the name of whatever particular interests, whether individual or groups ones, or to political ends.“
Jiří Lang, Director, BIS

BIS logo and service oath

BIS logoThe logo of the Security Information Service is composed of the Czech national emblem on the breast of an eagle – a symbol of astuteness, vigilance, alacrity, tenacity and respect – and a Latin motto „Audi, vide, tace“, pointing toward a human figure, which captures the principal qualities which an intelligence officer should possess. In other words, members of an intelligence service have be good listeners, perceptive to what is going on around them, and keep silent about their work. The large national emblem underlines the fact that BIS is a part of the civil service, and its central position expresses the superiority of public interests over private ones. When taking their service oath, BIS officers solemnly pledge that they will be honest, brave, loyal to the Czech Republic, as well as prepared to apply all their strength and capabilities and spare no effort in protecting its constitutional setup and the wellbeing of its citizens, even at the risk of their lives.

Mission, principles and creed

The mission and goal of BIS work is to anticipate, reduce and eliminate the most serious threats to our civilization, our state and in their ultimate effect the lives and wellbeing of all its citizens. In the extraordinary instances when the Service is compelled to infringe upon human rights and liberties, it invariable does so in compliance with the rules set by law. For example, no phone is ever tapped without the consent of the President of a High Court Senate. The Service has no authority to detain, arrest or interrogate any individual. Its creed is faithfulness to democratic values, the Constitution and the laws of the Czech Republic. It attaches extraordinary importance to communicating with the public, as it could hardly fulfil its mission without its support, and highly appreciates any help with which it is provided in protecting democracy, freedom and national security.

BIS History

Following the dissolution of the communist secret police (StB) by an official decree of 15th February, 1990, the emerging democratic regime was faced with the difficult question of how to approach its security system. Understanding that every secret service was a highly sensitive barometer of the political regime it served, it adopted the decision (subsequently proven correct) to start building its intelligence services from scratch, instead of trying to make them democratic through cosmetic changes. It set about constructing services dedicated to the principles of democracy and the rule of law, fully respecting human rights and freedoms. The Security Information Service was founded on 30th July, 1994. There were several milestones marking the road which led to its creation: