Entitlement
The entitlements of the Security Service were expanded in 2006. Before, they did not have much police power, and were only able to gather and analyse information. They were allowed to follow people, but not to interfere. This has changed now with what are called the Special Inquiry Methods. They have given several more powers to the Service, enabling them to work more efficiently. These powers are, among others: the possibility to put taps on phones, to enter homes of people suspected of being involved in terrorist activities without them knowing, or to detain and question people. This all under the supervision of specially appointed judges, much like the system already in place in the policing system with what are called Inquiry Judges. This adjustment of the system has made the Security Service more like its kins in other countries. They are however not yet as strong as the services in Britain or France. The change in policy had been in the loop since several years, but recent events gave the final impulse for change. Among others, there was the escape of Fehriye Erdal.
Read more about this topic: Belgian State Security Service