Specialist Operations

Diplomatic Protection Group

• What we do
• Our history
• Training

Who we are and what we do

The Diplomatic Protection Group’s (DPG) primary responsibility is the safety and security of London's diverse diplomatic and government community. The unit provides protection for foreign missions in London, such as embassies, high commissions, consular sections and official residencies in accordance with Article 22 of the Vienna Convention 1961. This duty is carried out whilst continuing to deliver a reassuring and highly professional service to the people of London.

Specifically the DPG provides overt armed protection in the capital, armed guards at London's hospitals, and assistance to other police units and agencies at times of high demand, and an immediate response to armed and other critical incidents. They look after:

• The diplomatic community in London.
• Her Majesty's Government, former prime ministers, government ministers and other people assessed to be at risk.
• The Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
• Visiting head's of state, and Government and Foreign Ministers.
• Staff and visitors at New Scotland Yard.
• Hospital patients at threat and hospital staff.

Some of the key services provided by DPG include:

Armed Static Protection

• Armed officers on posts at diplomatic, Government and MPS’ premises.
• Residential protection for visiting heads of state, government and foreign ministers and, on occasion, international conferences.

Armed Mobile Protection

• Armed officers who respond to specialist alarms and incidents within Central London. Mobile security patrols to combat armed criminal activity and terrorism.

Specialist Support

• Surveillance at high-risk events, diplomatic functions or key sites as required.
• Armed hospital guards at any of London's private or NHS hospitals.
• Specialist armed support for major state occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament, Trooping the Colour and state visits.
• Specialist search officers for counter terrorism at sensitive addresses, major events and scenes of serious crime.
• Searching and access control of visitors and vehicles to New Scotland Yard and Downing Street by security officers.

Specialist Security Advice

• Professional security advice to the diplomatic and government communities.
• Professional security advice and support for the management of all MPS buildings.