VIP Protection Unit

Infobox Government agency
agency_name = VIP Protection Unit
nativename = VIPPU 要員保護組
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logo_width = 150px
logo_caption = Current patch of the VIPPU


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formed =
preceding1 = Royal Hong Kong Police's Special Branch division G4 Division
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dissolved =
superseding =
jurisdiction = Government of Hong Kong
headquarters =
employees = Known to have 100 operators in 1997 [ [http://www-cgi.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/96/1011/nat5.html An Affair to Remember.] Retrieved on February 16, 2008.]
budget =
minister1_name =
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footnotes =The Very Important Person Protection Unit (VIPPU 要員保護組) otherwise known as G4 (originally Section G, Division 4) is a branch of the Hong Kong Police Force. The original name had been given to the unit since it is the 4th division of the former Royal Hong Kong Police's Special Branch division. [ [http://home.netvigator.com/~leeach/HK_Page.htm Unofficial Hong Kong Police page.] Retrieved on February 16, 2008.]

It has primary responsibility for the safety of VIPs and visiting dignitaries to Hong Kong.

Known Involvement

G4 VIPPU agents were involved in protecting Hong Kong from any kind of disturbances, including demonstrations in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Hong Kong [ [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=12&art_id=63595&sid=18233091&con_type=3 Baptism of fire.] Retrieved on August 28, 2008.] .

Requirements

Any Hong Kong police officer, male or female, can be qualified to serve in the unit with the following conditions: [ [http://sc.info.gov.hk/gb/www.police.gov.hk/offbeat/676/062_e.htm VIP PU wants you.] Retrieved on February 16, 2008.]

# Serve in the police force for 3 years at current rank.
# Have a good service record.
# Have a Police Tactical Unit Company attachment completed (For male VIPPU applicants)
# Can swim.
# Have good eyesight (Contact lenses accepted)

Training

Training techniques taught to all VIPPU officers include VIP protection, basic trauma support system and unarmed combat. [ [http://sc.info.gov.hk/gb/www.police.gov.hk/offbeat/615/photo.html Specialist Units Gear Up For World Bank-IMF Meeting in Hong Kong.] Retrieved on February 16, 2008.]

candal

The VIPPU came under scrutiny when a VIPPU officer's pistol fell to the ground during a VIP protection operation. It was fortunate that the sidearm did not discharge on impact. [ [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_print.asp?art_id=41556&sid=13000408 Dropped gun `could have been tragic'.] Retrieved on February 16, 2008.]

Known VIPPU personnel

Heads

* Craig Foster [ [http://www.abs.org.sg/fc2004/speakers.htm Asia-Pacific Financial Crime Conference & Exhibition 2004 Speakers Page.] Retrieved on February 16, 2008.]

Officers

* Joe Ma

See also

* List of protective service agencies

References

External links

* [http://hk.geocities.com/hkartistpo/joe_g4.htm Unofficial site]