The threat assessment

- decides whether protective measures are to be taken

The Swedish Security Service assesses the threats to persons whose security is our responsibility. We also assess the risk that a threat will be realised. Decisions on what measures, if any, are to be taken are based on such assessments.

Persons whose security we are responsible for are known as protectees. Threats against such persons are continuously re-evaluated and presented in the form of threat assessments, which are also the basis for assessing the risk, i.e. the likelihood, that a threat will be realised. The consequences of a realised threat are also assessed.

Long-term assessments are made for vulnerable functions

Long-term assessments, known as tactical threat assessments, are made for persons in particularly vulnerable positions, such as:

the Head of State;
the Speaker of Parliament;
the Prime Minister;
the Ministers; and
the Party leaders of the parties represented in Parliament.

Whenever necessary, long-term threat assessments are produced also for other protectees. Assessments are updated on an ongoing basis and are reviewed at least twice annually.

Assessments for particular events

For particular events such as state visits, meetings or other events another type of assessment, known as an operative threat assessment, is made. In connection with such events, the threat need not be directed against a particular person. There may be groups wishing to disturb or prevent the visit, meeting or event.

Various types of threat

Our threat assessments are re-evaluated on an ongoing basis, and takes into account the threat-maker's intent and capability to go through with the threat. Threats can be tangible or potential and may emanate from:

terrorism;
domestic extremism; and
fixated persons, i.e. threats from someone showing an inappropriate interest in this person.

Sources of information

The information upon which the threat assessments are based may come to us in several ways, e.g. from:

partner services, such as foreign security services or police authorities;
informants; and
threatening letters.

Updated: 2010-07-28

Regional activities

Map of Sweden with the Security Services regional units and the counties they are responsible for marked out

Five regional units with regional offices across the country are responsible for the Service's activities in a number of counties.

To contact details for the regional units