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The squad is also responsible for the protection for our own dignitaries (for example the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and Ministers of the Crown) both in New Zealand and overseas.
The Diplomatic Protection Squad (DPS) was formed in the mid 1970's after a number of terrorist incidents overseas.
It was established by the New Zealand Police to meet New Zealand's obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, which deals with the safety and security of foreign diplomats.
Because a majority of Diplomatic Missions are based in Wellington the Diplomatic Protection Squad is also based in Wellington but has New Zealand wide responsibility.
Officers on the squad are assigned a variety of duties, some in Police uniform however a majority of deployments are in plain clothes.
Squad members are selected from experienced Police officers who show an above average ability in driving, use of firearms and who have passed the DPS course at the Royal New Zealand Police College.
This course teaches officers how to deal with diplomats and other dignitaries.
They are taught about diplomatic immunity, protection techniques, advanced driving, advanced firearm training and unarmed combat.
Diplomatic Protection Squad members are required to undergo regular refresher training.
