I'm not sure I fully understand the differences in roles between MI-5 and MI-6. As I understand it, MI-5 is basically focused on domestic issues / crimes within the UK. They also have some other roles which perform some of the duties of the US Secret Service. So, if I were to draw a rough analogy, MI-5 is akin to the FBI and the SS rolled into one. Is this close? And, do they do anything beyond this.
MI-6, on the other hand, is principally focused on international issues outside the UK. However, they also perform a national intelligence gathering role. So, if I were to draw another rough analogy, MI-6 is like the CIA and the NSA rolled into one. Is this close? And, do they perform other roles too?
I see a lot of references to MI-5 get thrown around in UK media, and don't see much about MI-6 except on rare occasions being discussed in any media, so I could be off base here, hence my questions.
I guess maybe a different way to ask these same questions would be...is there any coordination between these two agencies and/or do they have hard boundaries of jurisdiction, where one agency has to hand something off to the other based on the location of whatever it is they are investigating.
Lastly, is MI-5 a law enforcement arm (i.e. can they arrest and charge people), or do arrests have to be performed by the 'police' based on information from MI-5? Same question for MI-6(?)
TIA
MI-6, on the other hand, is principally focused on international issues outside the UK. However, they also perform a national intelligence gathering role. So, if I were to draw another rough analogy, MI-6 is like the CIA and the NSA rolled into one. Is this close? And, do they perform other roles too?
I see a lot of references to MI-5 get thrown around in UK media, and don't see much about MI-6 except on rare occasions being discussed in any media, so I could be off base here, hence my questions.
I guess maybe a different way to ask these same questions would be...is there any coordination between these two agencies and/or do they have hard boundaries of jurisdiction, where one agency has to hand something off to the other based on the location of whatever it is they are investigating.
Lastly, is MI-5 a law enforcement arm (i.e. can they arrest and charge people), or do arrests have to be performed by the 'police' based on information from MI-5? Same question for MI-6(?)
TIA
