Divisions

The United Kingdom Police Service is made up of a range of specialist divisions, each providing unique skills, equipment and operational capabilities to support frontline policing. From emergency response and criminal investigations to roads policing, firearms, aviation and specialist operations, every division plays an important role in protecting the public and supporting communities across the region. Working together, UKPS divisions provide a coordinated and professional response to incidents of all levels, ensuring the right officers and resources are deployed wherever they are needed most.

Response

Response officers form the frontline of the United Kingdom Police Service, attending emergency and priority incidents across the region. Officers deal with everything from public disturbances and road traffic incidents to ongoing crimes, arrests and safeguarding concerns, providing a professional and visible policing presence 24 hours a day.

TSG

The Territorial Support Group provides specialist support to frontline policing during incidents requiring additional officers, enhanced tactics or coordinated public-order deployments. TSG officers may be deployed to high-risk arrests, disorder, major incidents, warrants and proactive operations where a higher level of capability is required.

CID

The Criminal Investigation Department is responsible for investigating serious and complex crime. Detectives manage investigations from initial evidence gathering through to suspect interviews, case development and prosecution, working closely with specialist units to identify offenders and protect victims.

RTPC

RTPC officers specialise in policing the road network, targeting dangerous driving, vehicle-enabled crime and serious road traffic offences. Trained officers have access to advanced driving capabilities, including Panther and Interceptor deployments, allowing them to safely manage pursuits, intercept high-risk vehicles and respond rapidly to incidents across the network.

DSU

The Dog Support Unit provides specialist police dog capabilities to officers across UKPS. Dog teams assist with tracking suspects, searching buildings and open areas, locating evidence and supporting high-risk incidents where specially trained police dogs can provide an effective tactical advantage.

AFO

Authorised Firearms Officers provide an armed response to incidents involving firearms, weapons or an immediate threat to life. AFOs are specially selected and trained to operate within strict rules of engagement, using specialist tactics and equipment to protect the public and bring dangerous incidents to a safe conclusion.

NPAS

NPAS provides aerial support to policing operations across the region. Air crews assist ground units with suspect searches, vehicle pursuits, missing-person enquiries and major incidents, using specialist surveillance equipment to provide officers with real-time information from above.

SDU

The Specialist Deployment Unit provides discreet and specialist operational support for complex policing activity. SDU officers may conduct surveillance, intelligence-led deployments and targeted operations against individuals or organised groups where conventional policing methods may not be appropriate.

MPU

The Marine Policing Unit provides specialist policing capability across waterways, ports and coastal areas within the region. MPU officers respond to incidents on the water, support search and rescue operations, conduct vessel patrols and assist with maritime crime, public safety and major incidents requiring a police presence beyond the road network.

CTSFO

CTSFO officers represent the highest level of armed policing capability within UKPS. They are trained to respond to terrorism, marauding attacks, hostage situations and exceptionally high-risk firearms incidents, operating with advanced equipment and tactics during threats where an enhanced specialist response is required.

SEG

The Special Escort Group is responsible for the secure movement of protected persons, sensitive assets and high-risk convoys. SEG officers use specialist motorcycles and vehicles alongside advanced escort tactics to provide safe, controlled passage while maintaining security and minimising disruption to the wider public.