A civilian organization under the Ministry of Defence, the Intelligence Service is responsible for the investigation of all threats to the Commonwealth, both foreign and domestic. The Service is also tasked with collecting and analyzing intelligence for the purpose of providing the Crown and Privy Council with current and accurate knowledge on which decisions and policy are made.

Divided into directorates, RAIS is primarily concerned with the protection of the Commonwealth, her people and territories. However, it does conduct offensive and foreign operations through the use of several highly specialized cells of operatives.

The identity of all Intelligence Officers, with the exception of senior staff and liaison personnel, is kept in the strictest confidence.