The Protective Policing Service[1] (French: Services de police de protection[2]), operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, provides security details for domestic and foreign VIPs when abroad.
History
In October 2022, concerns were raised that the RCMP has not recruited enough officers to provide close protection work, undermining RCMP's capabilities to protect VIPs.[3]
Under a 2022-23 Departmental Plan, the RCMP PPS will move to a centralized model to provide enhanced oversight/compliance.[4]
In May 2023, the RCMP is given more funding to establish more close protection units for politicians, depending on risk assessment.[5]
Organisation
PPS operations consist of RCMP officers, assisted by civilian and public servants who specialise in intelligence analysis, geospatial analysis and technological expertise.[1]
A number of RCMP close protection units include the Governor General Protective Detail, the Prime Minister Protective Detail and the Divisional Protective Services.[6]
Duties
RCMP officers in PPS operations are responsible for protecting the following VIPs:[7]
- Royal Family (when in Canada)
- Canadian Governor General
- Prime Minister.[5]
- Members of Parliament and Senators
- Foreign diplomats in Canada,
- Supreme, Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal justices
- Other persons designated by Minister of Public Safety as protected persons.
Training
Prospective RCMP officers are placed under the National Close Protection Officer Course as of March 2022.[6]
Provincial counterparts
Many provinces have a similar organization that is responsible for the protection of the provincial Lieutenant-Governor, the Premier, other members of the provincial cabinet, and members of the judiciary.
