What is the British equivalent of the FBI?

Answer 1

No Exact Equivalent of the FBI

The function of the FBI is divided between 3 organizations:

• MI5 (Military Intelligence Section 5) - deals with counterintelligence and foreign spying on British soil;
• "The Specialist Operations Branch Metropolitan Police" SO15 and the "Protection Branch" - provides counterterrorism and VIP protection in London directed against political subversion and terrorism;
• "Regional Special Branch" Units for regional police forces - carry out the same role (though the Metropolitan Police are the main "ring holder" for the country).

There is also Her Majesty's Custom and Excise, which deals with the tax inspection role of the FBI.

There is a distinct separation between Military Intelligence, Police Intelligence and Military intervention, with the civilian police formally handing over to the military for significant armed intervention (SAS). Some examples:

• An MI5 surveillance program identified IRA terrorists who were about to set a bomb off in Gibraltar in the 1980's: The surveillance team had no experience with firearms at all and had to call in an SAS backup team (Special Air Service) to assassinate the bombers (Operation Flavius).
• The Iranian Embassy siege (Operation Nimrod), in which the Metropolitan Police formally handed over to the military (SAS) once the first hostage was shot.

A feature of this is that in the UK an 'armed response' is seen a combat operation. Possession of explosives or firearm (because of the legal system) is seen as intent to use the weapon. You will be shot on sight. No negotiations.

Or as a more realistic answer: Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), which undertakes all the tasks the FBI do.

Answer 2

MI6 but they do intelligence work as well - there is not realy a direct equivalent because of their govt structure.