ABSTRACT
The legislation provided an institutional framework for dealing with complaints about actions of officers of the Security Service. Before the Security Service Act 1989 the only formal procedure to follow by a person aggrieved at something done by the Security Service was to seek redress through the courts. The Prime Minister must appoint a person who holds or has held high judicial office as the Security Service Commissioner. Members of a police force employed on special branch duties have the same authority and accountability as any other constable. An aggrieved person may make a complaint to a Commissioner about police surveillance activities. The Prime Minister has power to appoint a Chief Commissioner and other Commissioners to oversee police operations involving the interference or damage to property or telecommunications that is, installing surveillance equipment. If either the complainant or the Authorising Officer is dissatisfied by the Commissioner’s decision, an appeal against that decision can be made to the Chief Commissioner.
