The Police Service of Northern Ireland Close Protection Unit provide protection services to designated persons in Northern Ireland. Those afforded protection on a daily basis include members of the judiciary and others from across the legal system, politicians, and senior police officers.
The Close Protection Unit are also responsible for providing protection to high profile visitors to Northern Ireland. To date (August 2022), visitors have included Prime Minister Boris Johnston, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, and future Prime Minister candidates Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak.
For this year (2022), it is forecast that in total, 25 such visits will require the services of 130 highly trained Police Officers from The Close Protection Unit. The challenges associated with high profile close protection operations, requires detailed preparation, and meticulous planning in partnership with various police departments, and representatives of visiting dignitaries.
