Specialist Operations

Protection Command

This command is divided into the following specialist operational areas.

Specialist Protection is responsible for:

The personal protection of the Prime Minister, former prime ministers, certain government ministers, certain ambassadors and high profile persons considered to be under threat from terrorist attack in the UK and overseas
The personal protection of foreign dignitaries visiting the UK under the Vienna Convention
Personal protection of others where it is in the national interest or where intelligence (information) suggests protection is necessary
Providing security advice for key public figures
Performing personal safety reviews for MPS staff deployed overseas in high-risk locations
Addressing the security needs of official teams and delegations in the UK and overseas
Planning and co-ordinating protection operations and major events in the UK and overseas
Delivering nationally accredited personal protection training in the UK

The Diplomatic Protection Group provides protection for foreign missions in London and is responsible for:

Protection of embassies and missions
Residential protection for visiting heads of state, heads of government and foreign ministers
Counter reconnaissance (surveillance) at events identified as high risk, diplomatic functions or key sites
Providing specialist search officers for counter terrorism at sensitive addresses, major events and crime scenes
Searching and access control of visitors and vehicles to New Scotland Yard and Downing Street
Providing professional security advice to the diplomatic and government communities

Royalty Protection is responsible for:

Personal protection for the Royal Family, both nationally and internationally
Protecting Royal residences in London, Windsor and Scotland
Protecting members of the public who visit Royal residences
Personal protection for members of certain Royal families visiting the UK
Special Escort Group mobile protection for protected persons, high risk prisoners and high value property
Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (FTAC) is responsible for assessment and intervention in relation to people fixated on protected persons and sites