Overview and functions of the MPS’s Specialist Operations units

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.25.048897

I note you seek access to the following information:

The Specialist Operations (SO), that the Met Police have For example, SO15 Counter Terrorism Policing And a summary about them

Decision

I have today decided to disclose some of the requested information. Some data has been withheld as it is exempt from disclosure.

I am pleased to inform you that some information relevant to your request concerning a summary of Counter Terrorism Policing London (formerly SO15) can be found within the link below.

Counter Terrorism Policing London

Therefore, this information has been identified as being accessible via other means as it is already published. Where information is already in the public domain the MPS are not required to re-publish the data; instead, public authorities are required to direct you to the information, which we have done in this instance. This action is in accordance with Section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act.

The Specialist Operations (SO) Business Group within the MPS is responsible for providing specialised policing capabilities, including counter-terrorism investigations. Currently led by Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor and integrates intelligence and operational tactics to mitigate risks that exceed standard frontline policing. SO comprises of five Operational Command Units (OCU), which are Counter Terrorism Policing London, Protective Security and Operations (PSO) Command, Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) Command, Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection (PaDP) Command, and Aviation Policing Command.

Protective Security and Operations
Protective Security Operations (PSO) although sitting within SO also now forms part of CTP London, responsible for the support for PROTECT & PREPARE strands of the Government's Counter Terrorism Strategy (CONTEST).

PSO has two core missions under the government‘s CONTEST strategy, in PROTECT this is to target harden London against a potential terror attack, creating a hostile environment for threat actors to operate in, and in PREPARE it is to prepare London and Londoners to respond to and to quickly recover from a terror attack through preparedness.

To do this PSO staff and officers, as specialists in their fields, bring together unique capabilities which seek to provide a layered approach to protective security across the capital. The teams provide essential advice, guidance and expertise through operational deployment to keep our skies, our streets and our waterways protected.

Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) Command
RaSP is mandated to provide protection at Royal residences in London, Windsor and Scotland. Close protection to His Majesty The King and Prime Minister. The Special Escort Group (SEG) provide mobile armed protection to His Majesty The King and Prime Minister. In addition, they carry out armed vehicle escorts of high risk (category A) prisoners and high value loads.

Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection (PaDP) Command
PaDP provide both Armed and Unarmed Protection at high profile government buildings, diplomatic missions, Embassies, Consulates and residences.

Aviation Policing Command
Aviation Policing (AP) provides armed, protective security at London Heathrow and London City airports. In addition, AP carries out core policing functions at both airports.
Please note that the information provided regarding Aviation Policing Command does not constitute recorded information under FOIA. It is instead a form of words intended to outline the duties and responsibilities of the Command.