kaitsepolitseiamet

Kaitsepolitseiamet (KAP), Estonia's national security police, is responsible for safeguarding constitutional order and national security. Its core mandate includes counter-espionage, counter-terrorism, protection of sensitive state information and state secrets, and the defense of critical infrastructure. The agency also conducts security screening for high-risk or sensitive public positions and supports emergency preparedness and crisis management.

Functions and activities: KAP investigates intelligence activities that threaten Estonia's security, monitors and analyses security threats, and provides threat assessments to government bodies. It cooperates with other national law enforcement and intelligence agencies to counter foreign interference, cyber threats, and organized crime that endangers the state. The agency may carry out operations with legal authorization and judicial oversight, including surveillance and covert investigations as required by law.

Organization and oversight: KAP operates within Estonia's security and law enforcement framework and is subject to government policy, parliamentary oversight, and judicial control. It maintains liaison with international partners to share information and coordinate responses to global security challenges, within the framework of European Union, NATO, and bilateral agreements.

History: The Kaitsepolitseiamet traces its roots to Estonia's security and law enforcement institutions established after regaining independence in 1991, undergoing several reorganizations and consolidations to form the current national security police entity.