Secret police

For the film, see Secret Police (film).

Secret police (or political police) are government agencies that operate as secret services engaging in covert operations against a government's political, ideological or social opponents and dissidents. Secret police organizations are characteristic of police states governed by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes. They protect the political power of a dictator or regime and often operate outside the law to repress dissidents and weaken political opposition, frequently using violence. They may enjoy legal sanction to hold and charge suspects without ever identifying their organization.

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