Protective security units

Protective security units typically provide policing, security, intelligence and bodyguard services for sovereigns and politicians. They can be contrasted with security services which provide protective security intelligence such as (such as the British Security Service; and Guards Regiments for the defence of the Sovereign and the metropolis. Examples of these include the Household Division.

There are also distinct non-combat personal bodyguards which serve as ceremonial guards and personal attendants (such as the Gentlemen at Arms, the Yeomen of the Guard, the Royal Company of Archers, and the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers of the Honourable Artillery Company, as well as the Corps of Serjeants at Arms, the Gold Stick and Silver Stick, and the High Constables and Guard of Honour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse).

Well-known examples include the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department of the London Metropolitan Police, the United States Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service of the United States Department of State. Typically they provide security and any ceremonial effect is not per se an objective.

In Ireland, the Garda Síochána (Irish Police) Special Detective Unit (SDU) and Emergency Response Unit (ERU) provide armed protection and transport for the Irish President, Michael D. Higgins and the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny. The unit also provides protection for senior government officials, diplomatic staff and visiting dignitaries to Ireland.