State Security Service (Latvia)
{{Short description|Latvian civil counterintelligence and internal security service.}}
{{Infobox government agency
| agency_name = State Security Service
| nativename = Valsts drošības dienests
| seal = Valsts drošības dienesta logotips.png
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| formed = {{Start date|1919|08|25|df=yes}} (restored 26 March 1990)
| jurisdiction = Government of Latvia
| headquarters = Brīvības gatve 207, Riga, Latvia
| website = [https://vdd.gov.lv/en vdd.gov.lv]
| footnotes =
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The State Security Service or VDD ({{langx|lv|Valsts drošības dienests}}) is one of three Latvian security and intelligence services. It serves as Latvia’s civilian counterintelligence and internal security agency. VDD collects intelligence from various sources, analyzes risks, informs senior state officials of identified threats to national security, and takes action to mitigate those threats.
VDD is responsible for counterintelligence, protection of state secrets, safeguarding the constitutional order, ensuring economic security, coordinating counterterrorism, and providing dignitary protection. It is the only one of Latvia's three intelligence agencies authorized to conduct pre-trial investigations, including initiating criminal proceedings, referring cases for prosecution, and detaining individuals.
Oversight of VDD’s activities is conducted by the Minister for the Interior. The Prosecutor General's Office supervises operational measures and ensures the legality of pre-trial investigations. Parliamentary oversight is exercised by the National Security Commission of the Saeima.
In terms of mission and functions, VDD is the successor to the State Security Department of Latvia, established in 1919 as the first civilian counterintelligence and internal security service in the country.
= Dignitary protection =
VDD is responsible for the protection of the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Saeima. Protection of the President of Latvia is provided by the Military Police. However, the Cabinet of Ministers or the Presidium of the Saeima may assign protection to other dignitaries. VDD also ensures the protection of officials facing imminent or unexpected threats.
In addition to protecting Latvia's senior officials, VDD is also responsible for the security of visiting heads of state and government, foreign ministers, and leaders of international organizations such as the UN, the Council of the EU, the European Parliament, and the European Commission. Upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Chancellery of the Saeima, protection may also be extended to other visiting foreign officials or representatives of international organizations and institutions.{{Cite web|title=On State Security Institutions|url=https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/57256}}
= Pre-trial investigation =
Among Latvia’s three security and intelligence services, only VDD is authorized to conduct pre-trial investigations. VDD investigates crimes committed against the State or within the security and intelligence community. It may also investigate other crimes that fall within its jurisdiction or are assigned to it by the Prosecutor General.{{Cite web|title=On State Security Institutions|url=https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/57256}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
[https://vdd.gov.lv/en vdd.gov.lv]
{{National intelligence agencies in Europe}}
{{National Intelligence Agencies}}
Category:1919 establishments in Latvia
Category:Intelligence agencies