Diplomatic Protection Group
The Diplomatic Protection Group (DPG) is a branch of Protection Command within the Specialist Operations directorate of London's Metropolitan Police Service.[1] Formed in 1974,[2] the unit's main purpose is to provide overt armed protection for Her Majesty's Government and diplomatic premises including embassies, high commissions, and consular sections.[3] The group also provide protection to members of Her Majesty's Government and the diplomatic community in London.[3] Officers routinely carry firearms including the Glock 17 and MP5.
History and notable incidents
When the Diplomatic Protection Group was formed in November 1974, it was a branch of a division which policed Westminster, due to most diplomatic premises being within the area.[2]
During the Iranian Embassy Siege in 1980, Police Constable Trevor Lock was on protection duty. He was taken hostage, along with the embassy staff, and managed to conceal his firearm until the assault by the British Army's Special Air Service, when he then restrained the terrorist leader.[2]
Other incidents where DPG officers have used firearms, include: when PC Peter Slimon GM visited the National Westminster Bank on Kensington High Street on 27 December 1972 to draw money out while on his lunch break,[4] he found that a bank robbery was in progress, fatally wounded one of the robbers, and injured two other robbers. In the same incident, PS Stephen Peet responded, and shot the third robber. PC Gordon McKinnon was authorised to free a hostage in Trafalgar Square, and did so. More recently the Hackney siege and Markham Square incidents have involved SO6 Officers.
DPG officers have provided armed security for The Queen Mother as well as security for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. In addition DPG residential protection officers have provided armed protection to many world leaders during visits to London.[5]
Role
The Diplomatic Protection Group is responsible for the safety and protection of foreign embassies in London and the government community.[6] The DPG is also tasked with providing immediate response to armed and other critical incidents, and assisting other police units and agencies at times of high demand, and they look after:
- The diplomatic community in London.
- The British Government, former prime ministers, government ministers and other people assessed to be at risk.
- The Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
- Visiting heads of state, and government and foreign ministers.
- Staff and visitors at New Scotland Yard.
- Hospital patients at threat and hospital staff where required.[7]
See also
- U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the US agency providing security to foreign dignitaries under the rank of head-of-state visiting the US. The Royal family is an example of dignitaries who receive DSS protection in the United States.
References
- ↑ Protection Command, Metropolitan Police Service. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 History of the Diplomatic Protection Group, Metropolitan Police Service. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Diplomatic Protection Group, Metropolitan Police Service. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ↑ http://www.metpolicehistory.co.uk/1946-to-date.html?page=2
- ↑ http://content.met.police.uk/Article/History/1400006573333/1400006573333
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