VIP Protection Unit (Hong Kong)
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) that specialized in anti-irregular military, counter sudden attacks, counterterrorism, crowd control, executive protection, hostage rescue, tactical emergency medical services, tactical special operations, and support provide security to important locations that are at risk of attack or terrorism.
| VIP Protection Unit | |
|---|---|
| 要員保護組 (Chinese) | |
 | |
| Active | 1972 – Present |
| Country | |
| Agency | Hong Kong Police Force |
| Type | Protective security unit |
| Role | Air assault Bomb disposal Close-quarters battle Counter sudden attacks Counterintelligence Counterterrorism Covert operation Crowd control Direct action Executive protection Force protection Hostage rescue HUMINT Reconnaissance Special operations Tactical emergency medical services Urban warfare |
| 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]
In addition they also undergo training in anti-irregular military, basic Trauma Life Support and English and Putonghua fluency, CBRN defense, climbing in different situations using ropes, combat and patrolling in urban areas, control crowd, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, defusing and disposal of bombs, fast-roping, firearms, hand-to-hand combat, HUMINT, physical and tactical training, marksmanship, reconnaissance in hostile environments, SERE, tactical emergency medical, tactical driving, and undercover.[4] They also practice simulation exercises with the PTU and the SDU.[4]
Vehicles
edit- Luxury bullet-proofed armoured cars are often deployed in protective missions.
Weapons
editThe standard issue sidearms for all VIPPU is the Glock 17 and the Glock 19 for females or officers with smaller hands while the short version of the Heckler & Koch MP5 is the standard SMG and could be deployed in multiple variants, such as the K, K-PDW and Coffer.
Apart from firearms, ASP expandable batons or a Taser are carried for less-than-lethal options to the VIPPU officers. Flashbangs and smoke grenades are also used to provide cover for escorting the VIP when being attacked by intruders.
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.[5]
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.
- ^ a b "Off Beat".
- ^ Baptism of fire. Retrieved on 28 August 2008.