Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams

National Security requires an integrated approach to ensure early detection and prevention of any potential threats to Canada and the public. The importance of greater integration of resources and intelligence has been heightened by the reality of terrorism for many countries, including Canada.

The RCMP has refocused its National Security Investigations Sections (NSIS) to become Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams (INSETs) in major centres throughout the country. The purpose for this is to increase the capacity for the collection, sharing and analysis of intelligence among partners with respect to individuals and entities that are a threat to national security and; create an enhanced investigative capacity to bring such individuals and entities to justice; and enhance partner agencies collective ability to combat national security threats and meet all specific mandate responsibilities, consistent with the laws of Canada and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

INSETs are made up of representatives of the RCMP, federal partners and agencies such as Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), and provincial and municipal police services. In addition to the newest one in Alberta, with offices in Edmonton/Calgary, INSETs exist in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

Through shared federal, provincial and municipal resources - INSET members are better able to track, deter, disrupt and prevent 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.

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.

See also:

• Integrated Border Enforcement Teams (IBETS)
• Public Safety Canada