Special Escort Group (Metropolitan Police)

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The Special Escort Group (SEG) is a unit of the London Metropolitan Police Service. Part of the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department, it provides motorcycle outriders for royal and other motorcades. It also assists with the transport of hazardous or valuable convoys.

The unit is built up of officers with a huge range of experience from various policing backgrounds. Each officer is an advanced driver and advanced motorcyclist and are widely considered to be at the pinnacle their profession. The motorcyclist outriders are controlled by the lead motorcyclist, generally positioned at the head of the convoy and known as the 'easy rider'. SEG officers on BMW motorcycles (solos), use whistles in preference to the sirens on their vehicles. This reduces the level of noise that precedes a convoy and reduces the environmental impact on the escorted and general public alike. SEG solos are among the few police motorcyclists within the UK that carry firearms openly whilst riding, all SEG officers are fully trained in anti-hijack tactics. The SEG uses a wide range of other vehicles aside from motorcycles including Range Rover 4x4, BMW 5 series and Vauxhalls, both marked and unmarked. The SEG escorts members of the Royal family, visiting dignitaries and other loads of significant importance.