It is the successor organization to the Administrative Department of Security (DAS) which was tasked with providing internal and external intelligence, law enforcement and immigration control.

[1] The agency reports solely to the President of Colombia, and is currently led by retired Admiral Rodolfo Amaya.

[2] In November 2011, President Juan Manuel Santos announced that he would be dissolving the Administrative Department of Security after the agency went through various scandals involving agents spying on politicians and judges.

The DNI unlike its predecessor organisation the DAS, does not take part in Law Enforcement activities, nor does it control the border and immigration services.

[5] One practical aspect towards reaching this goal has been to diversify its recruitment pool by providing more professional career pathways for individuals with no military or police background.