Specialist Operations
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Specialist Operations is a directorate of the Metropolitan Police. At its peak, SO was a group of twenty specialist units, which were formed to give the Metropolitan Police a specialist policing capability. The SO designation was implemented in 1986 as part of Sir Kenneth Newman's restructuring of the Metropolitan Police Service. Most of the units designated SO units were already in existence, many of them as departments of C Division and its branches, and all were presided over by an Assistant Commissioner of Special Operations (ACSO).
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[edit] Current structure
Specialist Operations is made up of three Commands temporarily commanded by Assistant Commissioner John Yates.[1]
[edit] Protection Command
Protection Command is split into two branches:
- Specialist Protection (SO1)
- Provides armed personal protection services for ministers and public officials at threat from terrorism, including visiting heads of government and other public figures.
- Royalty Protection (SO14)
- Provides protection of the Monarch and other members of the Royal Family. The OCU is divided into Residential Protection, Personal and Close Protection and the Special Escort Group (SEG) who provide mobile protection.
[edit] Counter Terrorism Command (SO15)
The Counter Terrorism Command, formerly the Anti Terrorist Unit and Special Branch aims to protect London and the UK from the threat of terrorism. The CT Command brings together intelligence gathering, analysis and development with investigation and operational support activity.
[edit] Protective Security Command (SO2)
Incorporates financial, resources and HR support for the SO Business Group, including Assistant Commissioner Yates's private office. It also provides additional security and counter-terrorism co-ordination for London and strategic engagement with communities to counteract terrorism.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ Edwards, Richard (2009-04-09). "Terror blunder: Profile of John Yates, new terrorism chief". Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/5130272/Terror-blunder-Profile-of-John-Yates-new-terrorism-chief.html. Retrieved 2009-06-08.
