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]

A police officer guards the entrance to Downing Street, London, home of the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer

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]

Training

Officers from SO6 are highly skilled in operations that they undertake, therefore they must complete training courses on a regular basis. These include:

First Aid

All authorised firearms officers (AFOs) receive full first aid training. This training is specifically aimed at AFOs and includes the treatment of gunshot wounds, and other ballistic injuries as well as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Police Search Advisor (POLSA)

The DPG uses trained searchers daily at Downing Street and has search responsibilities at prominent addresses and areas throughout Central London. They also supply POLSA officers to major events such as The State Opening of Parliament.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Protection Command, Metropolitan Police Service. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 History of the Diplomatic Protection Group, Metropolitan Police Service. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
  3. 1 2 Diplomatic Protection Group, Metropolitan Police Service. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
  4. ↑ http://www.metpolicehistory.co.uk/1946-to-date.html?page=2
  5. ↑ http://content.met.police.uk/Article/History/1400006573333/1400006573333

External links

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