Internal Security Department (Singapore)
The Internal Security Department (ISD) is a domestic intelligence agency of Singapore under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It has the utmost right to detain without trial individuals suspected to be a threat to national security. The stated mission is to confront and address security threats, including international terrorism, foreign subversion and espionage. The ISD also monitors and addresses potential threats from communism, prevention of racial tension which might affect the public peace, domestic counterterrorism, international counterterrorism, fraud against the state, surveillance, apprehension of suspected militants or terrorists and protection of Singapore's  national borders. History. ISD was first established as part of the Special Branch in 1948 by the British colonial government. In 1963, it became part of the Malaysian Special Branch when Singapore joined Malaysia. After Singapore gained independence, Internal Security Department was formally established on 17 February 1966. It was formerly part of the Ministry of Interior and Defence until it was split on 11 August 1970. In 2004, it was placed under the National Security Coordination Secretariat to improve intelligence sharing with other national intelligence agencies. Legislation. The powers of investigation and arrest of the ISD are regulated by  several laws, including: Timeline. These events are related to ISD and internal security of Singapore. Directors. The identity of the ISD's director is not conspicuously made known to the public, until he or she relinquishes the post.