The organization is concerned with internal security matters related to the hidden front, particularly counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and counter-sabotage efforts.

[1] Established in 1983, the SSP has a presence in every province, autonomous region, and direct-administered municipality in China, as well as an increased presence in coastal areas and some municipalities with heavy contact with foreign countries.

[2] The SSP is also reportedly tasked with the security of overseas projects of the One Belt One Road Initiative.

Those arrested by the State Security Police are subject to extrajudicial court proceedings conducted by the MSS itself, and may find themselves jailed in the Beijing State Security Bureau Detention Center, a special purpose prison operated by the Beijing branch of the MSS.

[3] The SSP should not be confused with the Political Security Bureau (1st Bureau) of the Ministry of Public Security, despite sometimes similar duties and overlapping missions.