Film Unit

Metropolitan Police Service Film Unit

Film unit banner - pictures of officers and film sets

Our Remit

The Metropolitan Police is an operational police service and filming is arranged outside the core function of policing. Therefore, filming services provided are charged and undertaken only where they do not impede the ability of any police officer or staff to fulfil their primary function. Where assistance is under special services of police it is undertaken on a cost recovery basis.

Police presence on film shoots

Police presence may be requested for any filming where:

  • there are likely to be public safety issues.
  • crime enactments are viewable from a public place .
  • the film shoot involves pseudo liveried emergency vehicles or actors in police or contemporary military uniform.
  • nudity or perceived nudity is viewable from a public place .
  • weapons, whether real or props, are used and viewable/audible from a public place.
  • low-loader or tracking shots are taking place on a public road*.

This list is not definitive and issues may arise that dictate a police presence will be required.

* The Film Unit is the sole Metropolitan Police Department responsible for managing the industry filming moving activity (tracking, low loader, 'A' frame or specialist vehicle shots) on the roads covered by the 32 London Boroughs (City of London is not included). Our advice must be sought in the first instance and we will assess the nature of the scene with you.

For further guidance please click on the downloadable titles below:

Intellectual property and technical assistance

Police Officer at London eventIntellectual Property Rights

The Metropolitan Police logos, uniforms, cap badges, royal amorial (crest), warrant badge, vehicle liveries, New Scotland Yard revolving sign, paperwork and other items are all copyright of the Metropolitan Police Authority. Some of these are trademarked.

For these items to be depicted by image in print, film or television broadcast an Intellectual Property agreement or license may be required.

Please note, however, that the Metropolitan Police Service do not commercially endorse or advertise products or services. Although permission may be requested and approved for an image to appear as incidental (i.e. background at a football game, or directing traffic).

It is suggested for advertising purposes where police are required, that a generic (no identifying logos or badges) police force is depicted.

Technical Expert Advice for Filming

For appropriate and up-to-date information on various police practices and procedures, technical interviews can be arranged and will be provided by experienced members of Metropolitan Police staff in order to assist your production in the many different areas of policing. Please read the document below for a list of experts and charges.

Publicity and Press

Female police officerThe Directorate of Public Affairs (DPA) is responsible for the management of all media, publicity and press relations for the Metropolitan Police Service at local, national and international levels.

From time to time, DPA will consider and undertake non-chargeable documentary and educational filming of the Metropolitan Police, officers, staff, services and/or publicity related filming of police campaigns and concerns.

This is most likely where the filming will provide relevant publicity or promotion of the Metropolitan Police and where it will be beneficial to the community they serve.

DPA negotiate and co-ordinate these filming requirements independently of either Locations or intellectual property. However, at times charges may still apply, for example, for services such as providing escorts for film crews on police properties.

Film with us Frequently Asked Questions