Close to 40 PSNI officers and other staff operate out of the headquarters of the security service MI5, it is reported. A PSNI data breach revealed dozens of personnel work at Palace Barracks in Holywood, north Down.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd, in response to the suggestion on the Nolan Show this was an “acute problem”, said he did not want to comment further on the release of such sensitive information.
“Each set of circumstances will be different and would need to be addressed in a different way,” ACC Todd said.
“I cannot go into the individual circumstances even though some of the information may have been published earlier today.
“I won’t go into the detail any further and aggravate what is already a very difficult situation for those concerned.
Investigations into terrorism-related offences are directed from MI5’s “declared headquarters”, according to the agency’s website.
The agency “works in close partnership with the PSNI and other agencies to tackle the continuing threat”.
“Prior to 2007 it was the PSNI…that had lead responsibility for the national security intelligence work relating to Northern Ireland.,” it continued.
“Investigations are now run in close co-operation with PSNI and in line with the terms of the St Andrews Agreement (2006). The PSNI continue to provide the operational police response in countering terrorism and protecting the community of Northern Ireland.”
MI5 added: “The majority of current national security resource and attention is focused on dissident republicans as these groups pose the greatest threat.”
