Jump to site navigation [j]

About Us

Policing Policy and Operations Directorate

The Policing Policy and Operations Directorate provides a range of policy support, programme oversight and sponsorship of agencies and arms-length bodies which help the police service tackle major national operational challenges.

Areas the directorate deals with include serious and organised crime, public order, Olympic security, police powers, public protection, safeguarding vulnerable groups, extradition and mutual legal assistance. It also has sponsorship responsibility for the following agencies and arms-length bodies including

Units within this directorate

  • Public Order Unit

    This unit supports Ministers in issues relating to public order and civil contingencies including programmes to manage mass fatalities, reduce road crime, and football-related disorder, encourage and facilitate UK police participation in peace keeping operations, regulate firearms, and prepare for a safe and secure London Olympics in 2012.

  • Organised & Financial Crime Unit

    This unit is responsible for the government's strategy against serious organised crime, including sponsorship of SOCA, asset recovery, human trafficking and e-crime.

  • Judicial Cooperation Unit

    This is a policy and case-working unit concerned with extradition and international co-operation on criminal matters.

  • Policing Powers & Protection Unit

    This unit is responsible for matters relating to police powers and integrity. It oversees delivery of the Bichard Implementation programme including, jointly with the Department for Education and Skills and the Department of Health, policy on safeguarding vulnerable groups. It also provides sponsorship functions for the NPIA, IPCC, CRB, SIA and when vested the IBB.

  • Forensic Science Service Sponsorship and Policy Unit

    This unit is responsible for the Forensic Science Service (FSS) Ltd, the Home Office's only government owned company (GovCo).

  • Vetting and Safeguarding Policy Unit

    This unit is responsible for implementing a scheme which helps to prevent harm, or risk of harm, to children and vulnerable adults.

Home Office websites