VIP Protection Unit (Hong Kong)

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Template:Short description Template:Infobox law enforcement unit

The VIP Protection Unit (Abbreviation: VIPPU; Template:Zh), otherwise known as G4 (originally Section G, Division 4), is a protective security unit branch of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF).

History

The unit was established in 1974[1] in the wake of tragic events that took place in the Munich Massacre in 1972.[2] 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).[2]

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.[2]

Known operations

In 1997, VIPPU was involved in protecting delegates attending the World Bank-IMF Meeting[3] and the Hong Kong handover ceremony.[4]

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

The VIPPU is currently under the HKPF's Crime and Security Department under the Security Wing.[10][1] 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.[2][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.[2] In case a VIP refuses VIPPU protection, they will assess the situation and increase police presence to ensure their safety.[11]

Training

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.[3] 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.[2] 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

The VIPPU uses the Glock 17 and 19, the Remington Model 870 and the Heckler & Koch MP5K-PDW.[2] They also used stun, smoke and flash grenades with batons.[2] 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.[2] 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.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."成報新聞(女G4貼身保護彭麗媛)".
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."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.
  3. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Off Beat". www.police.gov.hk. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference vippup was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Baptism of fire - The Standard". Archived from the original on 2011-06-04. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  6. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."探射燈：G4 飛虎 反恐隊 保護三「國寶」". orientaldaily.on.cc. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  7. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Page Verification". apps.orangenews.hk. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  8. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."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.
  9. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."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.
  10. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Hong Kong: The Facts - The Facts" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-10-07.
  11. ^ a b c Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."三特首候選人獲G4保護 - 東方日報".
  12. ^ a b c d e f Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."真‧「好打得」 貼身保護林鄭月娥的女G4".
  13. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."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.
  14. ^ a b c Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Off Beat". www.police.gov.hk. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  15. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Ïã¸Û¾¯¶Ó¡°ÒªÔ±±£»¤×顱ÉñÃØÃæÉ´Ê׶Ƚҿª(ͼ)". Archived from the original on 2002-09-25. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
  16. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."「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.
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