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Specialist Operations
Security Command
Security Command is formed of three units that provide protection of the Palace of Westminster, Heathrow and City of London Airports, and additional security and counter-terrorism co-ordination for London.
SO17 Palace of Westminster
SO17 works with the Parliamentary Authorities to provide a safe and accessible environment for peers, members of parliament, employees and the public by:
- Patrolling the Palace of Westminster
- Monitoring and checking identity passes
- Conducting searches of visitors, staff, personal property and vehicles
- Maintaining public order so the business of the Houses is not disrupted
- Introducing security measures to minimise opportunity for crime
- Providing crime prevention, security and personal safety advice to members and staff
- Monitoring closed circuit television, alarms and police communications
- Responding to incidents
Find out more about the Palace of Westminster
SO18 Aviation Security
The Aviation Security Operational Command Unit is responsible for the policing at Heathrow and London City airports.
It is a unique command as there are few areas of policing where the threat from terrorism, the need to ensure the safety and security of iconic sites and responding to organised crime and volume theft come together.
Find out more about Aviation Security
SO20 Counter Terrorism Protective Security Command
SO20 is responsible for delivering an effective and efficient structure to support the UK counter terrorism strategy known as CONTEST, in respect of the PROTECT strand.
Our aim is to help make London a safe place for the public and a hostile environment for terrorists through ensuring adequate protective security arrangements exist for events, crowded places, iconic sites, key utilities and sites where hazardous substances are located.
SO20 provides additional security and counter-terrorism co-ordination for London along with a dedicated specialist Counter Terrorism Search Team.
SO20 also has a dedicated team of Counter Terrorism Security Co-ordinators (CT SecCo’s) to plan and co-ordinate security at major events. They also manage the MPS wide cadre of CT SecCo’s.
We also offer counter terrorism security advice and guidance to the business community, public and voluntary sector including educational establishments, places of worship and any other communal areas.