What is a PPO?

Once you become a CID Detective Sergeant, you are able to become a PPO (Personal Protection Officer). A PPOs role is to consistently provide protection to high ranking members of the Metropolitan Police Service. A PPO can be utilised to protect:

• Gold Command (with an SMG)

• Silver Command (with divisional weaponry)

• TRIDENT Command (with divisional weaponry)
  
  

PPOs can be called upon to protect at any given moment utilising the appropriate equipment, ensuring the safety of command members at all times. These do regularly occur on Sundays at 18:30 due to the MPS meeting. At times though, Gold/Silver/TRIDENT command may be patrolling and require a PPO regardless. No sniper rifles at any point as a PPO. If you are trained for an assault rifle through your division, you may use this.

Responsibilities of a PPO

• Stay close to your assigned GC member

• Open car doors for your GC member

• Making sure area is clear

• Making sure GC stay in cars and not out in the open

• Develop emergency response to threats before going to new locations 

• Talk to other organisation security teams to make sure it all runs smoothly

• Keep Gold Command in the loop on what is going to happen

• Communication is key, every move you make should be said in radios to keep your team informed on what is happening.

As a PPO you are expected to breach and clear buildings before GC enters to ensure security. As PPO you must prioritise GC safety over all no matter the situation. As an assigned PPO you should always be beside your GC ready to provide security at a moment's notice whether that be shielding them , intercepting attacks etc.