Identifying Threats

The first stage of the cycle is the identification of a potential threat. Threats to security could arise from:

• long-term circumstances (such as the presence in New Zealand of foreign intelligence officers working under some form of cover), or
• short-term circumstances (for example, a visit to New Zealand by someone thought to be pursuing a terrorist objective).

Before the Service takes action to investigate a potential threat, there has to be a clear understanding of what that threat comprises, so that any investigation is appropriate and effectively directed.