Question
Could the Chief Constable provide information on the remit of the Terrorism Investigations Unit, including who they report to and how frequently?
Answer
The Police Service investigates all those individuals, organised crime, paramilitary and terrorist groups who seek to cause harm and benefit from crime across Northern Ireland.
The Terrorism Investigation Unit (TIU) is a sub-branch of Serious Crime Branch, which in turn is part of Crime Department.
The identification and assessment of groups which present a threat to national security is made jointly by the Police Service and Security Service. Those groups are investigated by the Police Service Terrorism Investigation Unit.
TIU works closely with colleagues in Criminal Investigations Branch, Intelligence Branch, Special Operations Branch, District Policing Command and security partners to provide a co-ordinated investigative response to national security related investigations across Northern Ireland.
TIU undertakes both proactive and reactive investigations into national security attacks such as bombings or shootings on police, prison officers or other security personnel, directing terrorism and recovery of weapons and munitions. TIU is an investigative resource that can undertake other investigations at the direction of Assistant Chief Constable, Crime Department.
TIU represents the Police Service as part of the National Counter Terrorism Network.
Trevor Clarke - DUP