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Starfleet Security is an agency in the fictional Star Trek universe that is responsible for security aboard Starfleet and Federation outposts, vessels, and territories.

Earth Starfleet

The predecesor to the current branch of Starfleet Security were the weapons and security personnel of the Earth Starfleet. At that point in Starfleet history, however, Starfleet had no ground combat force, with such personnel suppied by other agencies (see MACO).

Federation Starfleet

In the 23rd century, Starfleet Security had become an established corps of the Starfleet, apparetly an entirely separate career path from regular (or "Line") personnel of the Starfleet. During this time, most of Starfleet Security was assigned as security guards onboard Starfleet vessels and space stations. The divisional uniform color of such persnnel was red, leading Starfleet Security personnel to be commonly deemed by the phrase "redshirts" (this term became obsolete in the 24th century, when Starfleet Security adopted gold as thier divisional color). The task of Starfleet Security was also extremely dangerous, especially when providing security to landing parties on unexplored planets. The USS Enterprise (NCC-1701), for instance, racked up a noticable number of security guards killed in the line of duty during the ship's five year mission under James T. Kirk.

In the capacity of security guards, Starfleet Security members act in ways analogous to local and regional police agencies. The agency is also responsible for maintaining and enforcing Starfleet Security regulations, procedures and policies on all Starfleet and affiliated facilities, outposts, and vessels. In addition, this agency is responsible for security clearances of all Starfleet and Federation personnel (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock).

By the time frame of the 24th century, Starfleet Security was also the primary source of Federation ground troops and the Starfleet Security chain of command included several division and brigade sized formations capable of assaulting a planet (Star Trek Deep Space Nine, "Homefront"). Starfleet Security is also one of the few non-command career fields in which it is capable to rise to the rank of full admiral.

Starfeet Security and other agencies

Starfleet Security often works jointly with Starfleet Intelligence (TNG: "The Pegasus") and the Federation Marine Corps (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country). In the 23rd century, the civilian equivalent of Starfleet Security was known as "Federation Security", seen briefly in the film Star Trek III and appearing to be some type of CIA equivalent orgaization. Starfleet Security is also responsible for the security of the Federation President, as well as members of the Federation Council and visiting alien dignitaries (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home).

Starfleet Security has also been influenced by Section 31 over its years of existence. At least one member of the former Earth Starfleet was a member of Section 31 and Section 31 has been suspected of being involved with the Khitomer conspiracy as well as the illegal cloaking device development onboard the USS Pegasus.

Notable Starfleet Security personnel

• Malcolm Reed: Security officer for the NX-1 Enterprise
• Lieutenant Leslie: Career security guard onboard the USS Enteprise (NCC-1701)
• Worf: Security Chief onboard the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)
• Tasha Yar: Worf's predecessor, killed in the line of the duty
• Michael Eddington: Starfleet security defector
• Admiral Raner: Head of Starfleet Security (TNG: "The Pegasus") and implicated in wrongdoing during the cloaking device incident.

References

• Pocket Books, Star Trek Original Series novel "Bloodthirst": A Star trek novel written entirely from the perspective of a Starfleet Security guard

• Star Trek