The Norwegian Parliament stipulated in section 17c of the Police Act that “ The Headquarters of The Norwegian Police Security Service shall work in partnership with other countries’ police authorities, security and intelligence services.” The Ministry of Justice approves all of our foreign partners. The creation of partnerships with new countries and services is always carried out in consultation with the Ministry.
International co-operation is important
A well-functioning international partnership can be critical to our ability to prevent serious crime against Norwegian interests. At the same time PST can, through such co-operation contribute to the prevention of serious crime being committed abroad.
The international co-operation consists first and foremost of the exchange of information. Reciprocity in the exchange of information is important. At the same time, those who work in partnership with us are subject to their respective national laws and regulations, and this provides the framework for the exchange of information, and for other forms of co-operation.
PST’s international partnerships give us a better overview of different players who may have the intention of committing crimes that can threaten the security of the realm. Partnerships also provide us with a firm foundation on which to base our advice and preparation of threat assessments.
International co-operation requires vigilance both in terms of the information we provide to other countries, and the way in which PST uses and protects information that is received from other countries.
Other countries’ security services
Most countries of the world have established a civil security service in order to prevent threats against national interests. The security services work in close co-operation with other national services such as civil or military intelligence services (foreign services) and the police. In Scandinavia, however, it has been decided to have joint security and police services under the respective Ministers of Justice. This model is attractive because it ensures close co-operation between the security service and the police. The other security services in Europe, and in some other countries, are PST’s closest international partners.
European co-operation forums
PST is the Norwegian representative at the European security co-operation forum called the Club of Bern. PST also participates in the Counter Terrorist Group (CTG). CTG is a forum that was formed on the basis of the Club of Bern. CTG was established in 2001 and focuses on Islamist terrorism. In addition to operational co-operation, CTG also prepares joint analyses and threat assessments.
Other forms of co-operation
PST works both bilaterally and multilaterally with the police and security authorities in a number of countries. In addition, PST participates in several international organisations and committees, including the NATO special committee AC/46, Police Working Group on Terrorism (PWGT) and Interpol and Europol’s Symposium on the Suppression of Terrorism.
Through this, PST performs our role in combating specific elements of international organised crime.