Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams (INSET)

LINKS: Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Counter-terrorism efforts require an integrated approach to help ensure early detection and prevention of any potential threats to national security. The importance of greater integration of resources and intelligence has been heightened by the reality of terrorism since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001.

The RCMP has refocused its National Security Intelligence Sections (NSIS) to become Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams (INSETs). The purpose for this is to increase the capacity for the collection, sharing and analysis of intelligence among partners with respect to targets that are a threat to national security and; create an enhanced investigative capacity to bring such targets to justice; and enhance partner agencies collective ability to combat national security threats and meet all specific mandate responsibilities.

INSETs are made up of representatives of the RCMP, federal partners and agencies such as Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC), Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and provincial and municipal police services. INSETs were originally formed in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

Through shared federal, provincial and municipal resources - the INSET members are better able to track and put a stop to the criminal activities (major or minor offences) of terrorist groups or individuals who pose a threat to Canada’s national security. This type of increased capacity enables INSET members to work with their partners nationally and internationally towards the common goal of detection and disruption of potential terrorist threats.

The INSETs allow the RCMP to work more closely with its national and international partners in the collection and sharing of vital intelligence. These highly specialized teams also work to ensure that all information collected is analyzed in a timely and accurate manner, and acted upon effectively.

The mandate of INSETs is to:

1. Increase the capacity to collect, share and analyze intelligence among partners, with respect to targets (individuals) that are threat to national security.

2. To create an enhanced enforcement capacity to bring such targets to justice.

3. Enhance partner agencies’ collective ability to combat national security threats and meet specific mandate responsibilities.

The Government of Canada invested approximately $64 million over a five year period starting in April 2002 towards the creation of INSETs. This investment continues to strengthen Canada’s ability to detect, deter, and respond to existing and emerging national security threats.

SEE also: Integrated Border Enforcement Teams (IBETS)