ABSTRACT
The essential features of operating a Secret Service within a democracy are that operations have to be undertaken within the framework of the law of the land. Secret Service work in a democracy is usually divided into Secret Service work abroad, and Secret Service work at home. In the world of mass media in democracies, the albatross around the necks of the Secret Services is commercialism, rather than ill-will. Ulster also illustrates another major dilemma of Secret Services in a democracy; the overlap between the Overseas Secret Service and the Home Secret Service. The problem of subversive action in Britain is a matter for the Home Secret Service cooperating with the Special Branch of the police and ultimately is the responsibility of the Home Secretary. This chapter sets out to examine the problem of running Secret Services in a democracy, so that the Services could help democracies defend themselves against predators, without having to sacrifice democratic principles in the process.
