The VIP Protection Unit (Abbreviation: VIPPU; Chinese: 要員保護組), otherwise known as G4 (originally Section G, Division 4) is a protective security unit branch of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF).
VIP Protection Unit | |
---|---|
要員保護組 (Chinese) | |
Active | 1972 Present | –
Country | |
Agency | Hong Kong Police Force |
Type | Protective security unit |
Operations jurisdiction | Hong Kong |
Part of | 'B' Department - Crime and Security Wings |
Common name | G4 (Former) VIPPU (Current) |
Structure | |
Officers | Approx. 90 |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Senior Superintendent Lu Shilong |
Notable commanders | Craig Foster[1] |
Introduction
editThe original name had been given to the unit since it is the 4th division of the former Royal Hong Kong Police Force's Special Branch (RHKPF Special Branch).[2]
Following the disbanding of the RHKPF Special Branch in 1995, the VIP Unit was reassigned under the Security Wing of the HKPF after the handover in 1997.
Training
editIt has primary responsibility for the personal safety of HKSAR Chief Executive and his/her core family (previously, the Governor and his family before the handover in 1997), high-rank government officials, VIPs and visiting dignitaries to Hong Kong, therefore the training techniques taught to all VIPPU officers include counter sudden attacks, hostage rescue, VIP protection, and unarmed combat.[3]
Vehicles
edit- Luxury bullet-proofed armoured cars are often deployed in protective missions.
Known involvement
editThe VIP Protection Unit are involved in protecting Hong Kong from any kind of disturbances, including demonstrations at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Hong Kong.[4]
References
edit- ^ "Off Beat".
- ^ Unofficial Hong Kong Police page. Retrieved on 16 February 2008.
- ^ Specialist Units Gear Up For World Bank-IMF Meeting in Hong Kong. Retrieved on 16 February 2008.
- ^ Baptism of fire. Retrieved on 28 August 2008.