The Protection Command is one of the three Commands within the Specialist Operations directorate of London's Metropolitan Police Service.[1] Within the Command, there are two branches - Specialist Protection and Royalty Protection, who provides protective security to the government/diplomatic community and Royal Family respectively. In contrast with the vast majority of British police officers, many members of the Protection Command routinely carry firearms in the course of their duties and all are Authorised Firearms Officers.[2][3]
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The Specialist Protection branch (SO1) is responsible for providing specialist protection for the current and former Prime Ministers, along with other government ministers. They also protect certain ambassadors, visiting dignitaries and other high-profile citizens who are deemed to be under threat from possible assassination or terrorist threat.[1]
Specialist Protection officers may be deployed at short notice, when information has been received that someone may be under threat. The Command is also responsible for carrying out security assessments on civilian staff employed by those under protection, along with assessing security risks to the person protected. Specialist Protection officers also offer personal protection advice to people who could benefit from being protected, but who are not deemed to be of such a need that protection from the Command is necessary.[1]
The Royalty Protection branch (SO14) provides protection for the Royal Family both nationally and internationally. The branch has responsibility both for guarding the Royal residences within London and those outside the city such as Windsor Castle, Balmoral Castle and Holyrood Palace, policing members of the public on tours of certain royal residences as well as providing 24-hour uniformed guarding of certain royal buildings. The branch also offers protection for foreign royals visiting the United Kingdom.[1]
As with all police officers of territorial police forces in England & Wales, Metropolitan Police officers have the powers and privileges of a constable throughout England and Wales.[4] However, when assigned to the protection of people or property in Scotland or Northern Ireland, Metropolitan Police officers, uniquely, also have the powers and privileges of a constable of the local territorial police force in the discharge of that duty.[5]
The Diplomatic Protection Group (SO6) provides protection for foreign missions in London, including protecting Diplomatic Staff, Embassies, ambassadorial residences, and visiting heads of state, heads of government, and ministers.
Due to their role in protection of high profile persons, the Protection Command attracts media attention:
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