VIP Protection Unit (Hong Kong)
| VIP Protection Unit | |
|---|---|
| 要員保護組 (Chinese) | |
 | |
| Active | 1974 – Present |
| Country | |
| Agency | Hong Kong Police Force |
| Type | Protective security unit |
| Operations jurisdiction | Hong Kong |
| Part of | 'B' Department - Crime and Security Wings |
| Common name | G4 VIPPU |
| Structure | |
| Officers | 100 (1997)[1] |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Senior Superintendent Lu Shilong |
| Notable commanders | Craig Foster[1] |
The VIP Protection Unit (Abbreviation: VIPPU; Chinese: 要員保護組), otherwise known as G4 (originally Section G, Division 4), is a protective security unit branch of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF).
History
[edit]The unit was established in 1974[2] in the wake of tragic events that took place in the Munich Massacre in 1972.[3] The original name had been given to the VIPPU since it is the 4th division of the former Royal Hong Kong Police Force's Special Branch (RHKPF Special Branch).[3]
Following the disbanding of the RHKPF Special Branch in 1995, the VIPPU was reassigned under the Security Wing of the HKPF after the handover in 1997.[3]
Known operations
[edit]In 1997, VIPPU was involved in protecting delegates attending the World Bank-IMF Meeting[4] and the Hong Kong handover ceremony.[1]
The VIPPU was involved in policing demonstrations at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Hong Kong.[5]
In August 2012, the VIPPU was deployed to protect the crew of the Shenzhou 9 when they visited Hong Kong.[6]
In January 2019, the unit protected Donald Tsang, who was the former Chief Executive after his release from prison.[7]
On May 29, 2025, the VIPPU provided protection for Wang Yi and foreign VIPs in Hong Kong to attend a ceremony of the launching of the International Organization for Mediation.[8][9]
Organization
[edit]The VIPPU is currently under the HKPF's Crime and Security Department under the Security Wing.[10][2] It is under the command of a HKPF officer with the rank of Senior Superintendent.[11] Contact details for the VIPPU and the exact number of officers working in the unit are classified due to security concerns that require confidentiality.[12]
The unit primary responsibility for the personal safety of HKSAR Chief Executive and his/her core family (previously, the Governor and his family before the handover in 1997[12]), high-rank government officials, VIPs and visiting dignitaries to Hong Kong.[3][13] They are also deployed to protect Chief Executive candidates during public events.[11] For female VIPs, female VIPPU officers are deployed to protect them.[12]
The VIPPU is also trained to conduct stealth-based protection in case the VIP wants them to keep a low profile.[3] In case a VIP refuses VIPPU protection, they will assess the situation and increase police presence to ensure their safety.[11]
Training
[edit]All prospective VIPPU officers are trained to counter sudden attacks, hostage rescue, VIP protection, and unarmed combat with English/Putonghua courses.[14] They are also trained to provide Basic Trauma Life Support in case the VIP suffers wounds or injuries.[4] The unit conducts joint exercises with the PTU, SDU and the ASU.[14]
Basic training lasts for 10 weeks, followed by a probationary period for six months.[15] Candidate are required to run with 50 kgs. sandbags to simulate carrying VIPs when under fire.[3] Selection lasts for three days and two nights, which includes physical fitness, fighting and swimming exercises.[12] In the VIP protection course, candidates are required to be trained in firearms, self-defense and first aid.[12] For prospective candidates who qualify, but are deemed not to be physically fit under VIPPU standards are placed under the "Physical Fitness Enhancement Course".[12]
All serving HKPF officers are qualified to attend training with Constable, NCO and Inspector ranks.[14]
Equipment
[edit]The VIPPU uses the Glock 17 and 19, the Remington Model 870 and the Heckler & Koch MP5K-PDW.[3] They also used stun, smoke and flash grenades with batons.[3] For protection, the unit has access to bulletproof blankets.[16]
A BMW 7 Series F03 acquired by VIPPU in 2012 has a removable bulletproof windshield, armored tires and roof.[3] Sensors are built in the vehicle to determine change in air composition with the windows/vents automatically closing in case of an incident involving WMDs, including toxic and biological.[3]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 "VIP PROTECTION Handling the largest security operation in Hong Kong's history". Off Beat.
- 1 2 "成報新聞(女G4貼身保護彭麗媛)".
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "質素不輸飛虎隊！香港特首身邊的神秘"G4"！". www.jdonline.com.hk. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- 1 2 "Off Beat". www.police.gov.hk. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "Baptism of fire - The Standard". Archived from the original on 2011-06-04. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "探射燈：G4 飛虎 反恐隊 保護三「國寶」". orientaldaily.on.cc. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "Page Verification". apps.orangenews.hk. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "Hong Kong police to deploy VIP, counterterrorism units for mediation body launch | South China Morning Post". 29 May 2025. Archived from the original on 2025-07-16. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "Wang Yi ushers in new era of China-led mediation with Hong Kong-based legal body". South China Morning Post. 2025-05-30. Archived from the original on 30 May 2025. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
- ↑ "Hong Kong: The Facts - The Facts" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-10-07.
- 1 2 3 "三特首候選人獲G4保護 - 東方日報".
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "真‧「好打得」 貼身保護林鄭月娥的女G4".
- ↑ "G4總督察難忘 貼身保護習近平 | 星島日報". www.singtaousa.com. 18 July 2022. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- 1 2 3 "Off Beat". www.police.gov.hk. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "Ïã¸Û¾¯¶Ó¡°ÒªÔ±±£»¤×顱ÉñÃØÃæÉ´Ê׶Ƚҿª(ͼ)". Archived from the original on 2002-09-25. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "「中南海保鑣」公事包藏防彈氈 | e123長青網-長者服務及老人院資訊". www.e123.hk. Retrieved 2025-12-02.