The Dignitary Protection Service (DPS) is based in Wellington and Auckland and provide the Governor-General and Prime Minister continual protection. Members of Parliament, the Judiciary and leaders of opposition parties are provided protection on an as-needed basis. A range of protection services are also provided for domestic and overseas VIP operations.
DPS also supports towards the security needs of foreign diplomatic missions in New Zealand, in accordance with international convention.
Types of protection
For both domestic and overseas operations, protection can include:
- Advance venue and route familiarisation and planning
- Venue and accommodation searches
- Venue and accommodation security
- Walking escorts
- Motorcades
- Safe haven and other contingency planning
- Liaison with foreign Police and protection agencies
- Coordination with other Police district protection officers and general duties staff
- Protection advice to partner agencies, Police district protection officers and general duties staff
- Liaison with external agencies.