Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Season 6

Luther Sloan:
Let's just say I belong to another branch of Starfleet Intelligence. Our official designation is Section 31.

Julian Bashir:
Never heard of it.

Luther Sloan:
We keep a low profile. Works out better that way for all concerned.

Julian Bashir:
And what does Section 31 do, apart from kidnapping Starfleet officers?

Luther Sloan:
We search out and identify potential dangers to the Federation.

Julian Bashir:
And once identified?

Luther Sloan:
We deal with them.

Julian Bashir:
How?

Luther Sloan:
Quietly.

Julian Bashir:
So if I had been a Dominion agent, what would have happened to me?

Luther Sloan:
We wouldn't be standing here having this conversation.

Julian Bashir:
[appalled] Starfleet sanctions what you're doing?

Luther Sloan:
We don't submit reports or ask approval for specific operations, if that's what you mean. We're an autonomous department.

Julian Bashir:
Authorized by whom?

Luther Sloan:
Section 31 was part of the original Starfleet charter.

Julian Bashir:
But that was 200 years ago. Are you telling me you've been working on your own, ever since? Without specific orders? Accountable to nobody but yourselves?

Luther Sloan:
You make it sound so ominous.

Julian Bashir:
Isn't it? Because if what you say to me is true, you function as judge, jury, and executioner, and I think that's too much power. For anyone.