Background and history[]
The first Special Branch in the world was formed in London, and it has spread throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Each British police force has formed its own Special Branch, the largest being that of the Metropolitan Police until it was merged with another unit, forming Counter Terrorism Command or SO15. Special Branch maintain contact with the Security Service. Although they are not part of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), they are entitled to use the prefix "Detective" in front of their ranks. Special Branch was also where Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Burke had previously worked until he arrived to take over the Taggart team after Michael Jardine had been suspended.