special branch - spooks surge
WORKERS, OCTOBER 2003 ISSUE
Government figures show that the number of Special Branch officers has increased from 2,200 in 1990 to over 4,247 in 2003. This doubling is set against the end of the Cold War and the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Though the US 'war on terrorism' has given the excuse for the government to increase spying and snooping, it also reflects EU initiatives to develop Europe-wide policing.
The figure does not include other security (secret police) forces like MI5, MI6 or civilian staff. Nor does it include the various specialist agencies - National Criminal Intelligence Service, National Public Order Intelligence Unit, National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit, Communications Intelligence Unit, European Liaison Section, and so on. Job for life? Join the spooks!