The Bulgarian secret police, known as the State Security or DS, was established in 1944 after the communist takeover of Bulgaria. It operated under the Bulgarian Communist Party and was responsible for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and suppressing dissent. The DS played a significant role in maintaining the regime's control over the population during the Cold War. After the fall of communism in 1989, the DS was disbanded, and its functions were restructured. Many former agents transitioned into new roles within the Bulgarian police and intelligence services. The legacy of the DS continues to influence discussions about human rights and state surveillance in Bulgaria today.