Protective security units
Protective security units typically provide policing, security, intelligence and bodyguard services for sovereigns and politicians. They can be contrasted with security services which provide protective security intelligence such as the British Security Service; and Guards Regiments for the defence of the Sovereign and the metropolis. Examples of these include the Household Division.
There are also distinct non-combat personal bodyguards which serve as ceremonial guards and personal attendants.
Well-known examples include the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department of the London Metropolitan Police, the United States Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service of the United States Department of State. Typically they provide security and any ceremonial effect is not per se an objective.
In Ireland, the Garda Síochána Special Detective Unit and Emergency Response Unit provide armed protection and transport for the Irish President, Michael D. Higgins and the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. The unit also provides protection for senior government officials, diplomatic staff and visiting dignitaries to Ireland.
In Northern Ireland the Police Service of Northern Ireland Close Protection Unit provides protection to visiting dignitaries on visits to Northern Ireland as well as to the Secretary of State, members of the Royal Family and Government ministers.
