Special Branch

synonyms: RUC intelligence division The intelligence department within the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) was known as Special Branch. Special Branch was one of a number of agencies operating in Northern Ireland that had an intelligence remit - others included Military (or Army) Intelligence, and the Security Service (MI5). Special Branch was described by John Stalker as a 'force within a force'. On matters related to operations against paramilitary organisations, Special Branch had primacy over other RUC departments. A former Chief Superintendent alleged that: "From the running of informants, to arrests and raid operations or even surveillance, we needed Special Branch approval. And it was only given if it suited them." (source: 'Insight' programmme, UTV, 1 May 2001) One of the recommendations (no.98) of the Patten Report was that: "Special Branch and Crime Branch should be brought together under the command of a single Assistant Chief Constable". (See also: Royal Ulster Constabulary, RUC; Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI.)