Rules for flying flags from police buildings

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.031516

I note you seek access to the following information:

What are the rules for flying flags from police buildings?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

MPS guidance for the flying of flags was introduced in 2012 under guidance from the Royal Household to ensure the MOPAC/MPS Estate aligns to other government and public buildings. It should be noted that a number of the MPS sites fly more than one flag.

The flags are;

Union Flag
The MPS flies the Union flag at full mast at all times. Under certain circumstances the Union Flag should be lowered and flown at half-mast;

Occasions on which the Union Flag should be flown at half-mast:
(a) From the announcement of the death up to the funeral of the Sovereign, except on Proclamation Day, when they are hoisted full mast from 11am - sunset.
(b) The funerals of members of The Royal Family, subject to special commands from His Majesty in each case.
(c) The funerals of Foreign Rulers, subject to special commands from His Majesty in each case.
(d) The funerals of Prime Ministers and ex-Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom.
(e) Other occasions by special command of His Majesty will be communicated by the Commissioner’s Office.

MPS Flag
Where a building has two or more flagpoles the appropriate MPS flag may be flown in addition to the Union Flag, however, not in a superior position.
(a) On occasions of mourning (where it is not appropriate to lower the Union flag), the MPS flag can be lowered to half-mast. Individuals will be advised when this is appropriate by the Commissioner’s Office.

Lowering Flags
Commissioners Office and the Head of Building Management will be advised when the Union Flag should be flown at half-mast.