The Protective Policing Service (), operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, provides security details for domestic and foreign VIPs when abroad.
History
In October 2022, concerns were raised that the RCMP has not recruited enough officers to provide close protection work, undermining RCMP's capabilities to protect VIPs.
Under a 2022-23 Departmental Plan, the RCMP PPS will move to a centralized model to provide enhanced oversight/compliance.
In May 2023, the RCMP is given more funding to establish more close protection units for politicians, depending on risk assessment.
Duties
RCMP officers in PPS operations are responsible for protecting the following VIPs:
- Royal Family (when in Canada)
- Canadian Governor General
- Prime Minister.
- Members of Parliament and Senators
- Foreign diplomats in Canada,
- Supreme, Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal justices
- Other persons designated by Minister of Public Safety as protected persons.
Training
Prospective RCMP officers are placed under the National Close Protection Officer Course as of March 2022.