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.

Organisation

PPS operations consist of RCMP officers, assisted by civilian and public servants who specialise in intelligence analysis, geospatial analysis and technological expertise. A number of RCMP close protection units include the Governor General Protective Detail, the Prime Minister Protective Detail and the Divisional Protective Services.

Duties

RCMP officers in PPS operations are responsible for protecting the following VIPs:

Training

Prospective RCMP officers are placed under the National Close Protection Officer Course as of March 2022.

Provincial counterparts

Many provinces have a similar organization that is responsible for the protection of the provincial Lieutenant-Governor, the Premier, other members of the provincial cabinet, and members of the judiciary.