Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department (RDPD)
A branch of the London Metropolitan Police, the RDPD comprises:
Royalty Protection Group (S014)
SO14 is responsible for guarding the Royal Family and consists of:
- Royalty Protection Squad
Providing 24 hour close protection for the Royal Household, officers in the squad are reportedly armed with 9mm Glock 17 pistols.
- Special Escort Group (SEG)
This unit provides additional security for when members of the Royal Household are on the move.
The Special Escort Group includes specially-trained motorcycle riders and drivers who operate a fleet of armoured cars, including a modified Rolls Royce.
SEG typically deploy outriders on BMW motorcycles, armed with Glock 17 pistols. SEG officers within the vehicles of a VIP motorcade are thought to sometimes carry MP5 SF2 sub machine guns.
The SEG also provides protection for visiting dignitaries as well as high risk prisoners and high value loads. When protecting high value loads such as Nuclear weapons, the SEG works closely with elements of Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines.
related link:
Out and About with the Special Escort Group
(report on SEG role in guarding Nuclear Weapons transits)
Royalty Protection Group (SO14) - Incidents
Over the years, S014 has been involved in several high profile incidents:
January 26th, 1994
When Prince Charles was giving a speech in Sydney, a protestor, David Kang, rushed the stage and fired two blank rounds from a starter's pistol before being subdued. Superintendent Bob Trimming, the Prince's senior bodyguard received a gallantry medal for his cool and quick thinking during the incident.
related link:
Attempted Assassination Of Prince Charles
(Youtube video of the incident)
June 16th, 2000
A Royalty Protection Group officer officer accidentally fired 2 shots from his Glock 9mm pistol while onboard the Royal Train. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were onboard at the time.
related link:
Gun fired on royal train
(BBC News report)
Diplomatic Protection Group ( C06)
The Diplomatic Protection Group (DPG) are responsible for the protection of the diplomatic community in London. Aside from close protection of VIPs, the DPG also protects embassies and other important buildings such as No. 10 Downing Street.
A BMW 5 Series of the Diplomatic Protection Group, painted in the unit's distinctive red colour scheme. Palace of Westminster Division (CO7)
This unit is responsible for the protection of the Houses of Parliament. It's officers are not armed.
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