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Coordinates: 36°08′26″N 5°21′24″W / 36.14048°N 5.356641°W / 36.14048; -5.356641
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{{Short description|Civil police force for the MoD in Girbraltar}}
{{Coord|36.14048|-5.356641|region:GI_type:landmark|display=title}}
{{Coord|36.14048|-5.356641|region:GI_type:landmark|display=title}}
{{Infobox law enforcement agency
{{Infobox law enforcement agency
|agencyname = Gibraltar Defence Police
| agencyname = Gibraltar Defence Police
|commonname = Defence Police
| commonname = Defence Police
|abbreviation = GDP
| abbreviation = GDP
|patch =
| patch =
|patchcaption =
| patchcaption =
|logo =
| logo =
|logocaption =
| logocaption = ''Logo of the GDP''
|badge =
| badge =
|badgecaption =
| badgecaption =
|flag =
| flag = File:Flag of Gibraltar.svg
|flagcaption =
| flagcaption = ''Flag of Gibraltar''
|imagesize =
| imagesize =
|motto =
| motto =
|mottotranslated =
| mottotranslated =
|mission =
| mission =
|formedyear = 2009
| formedyear = 2009
|formedmonthday =
| formedmonthday =
|dissolved =
| dissolved =
|superseding =
| superseding =
| employees = 143 (with 100 officers reported as of 2023)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2023/01/19/gibraltar-defence-police-face-up-to-detailed-inspection-for-first-time-in-85-year-history/ | title=GIBRALTAR DEFENCE POLICE FACE UP TO DETAILED INSPECTION FOR FIRST TIME IN 85-YEAR HISTORY |work=The Olive Press |last=Culatto |first=John |date=19 January 2023 |access-date=6 March 2024}}</ref>
|employees = 143
|volunteers =
| volunteers =
|budget =
| budget =
|country = Gibraltar
| country = Gibraltar
|countryabbr = GIB
| countryabbr = GIB
|national =
| national =
|federal =
| federal =
|international =
| international =
|divtype =
| divtype =
|divname =
| divname =
|map =
| map =
|mapcaption =
| mapcaption =
|sizearea = 6.8km<sup>2</sup>
| sizearea = 6.8km<sup>2</sup>
|sizepopulation = 32,194 (2015)
| sizepopulation = 32,194 (2015)
|legaljuris = Gibraltar
| legaljuris = Gibraltar
|governingbody =
| governingbody = [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]
|governingbodyscnd =
| governingbodyscnd =
|constitution1 =
| constitution1 =
|police = Yes
| police = Yes
|local = Yes
| local = Yes
|speciality1 =
| speciality1 =
|secret =
| secret =
|overviewtype =
| overviewtype =
|overviewbody =
| overviewbody =
|headquarters = [[HMS Rooke]]
| headquarters = Northgate House, HM Naval Base, Gibraltar
|hqlocmap =
| hqlocmap =
|hqlocmapwidth =
| hqlocmapwidth =
|hqlocmapheight =
| hqlocmapheight =
|hqlocmapborder =
| hqlocmapborder =
|hqlocleft =
| hqlocleft =
|hqloctop =
| hqloctop =
|hqlocmappoptitle =
| hqlocmappoptitle =
|sworntype =
| sworntype =
|sworn = 127
| sworn = 95
|unsworntype =
| unsworntype =
|unsworn = 16
| unsworn = 50
|multinational =
| multinational =
|electeetype =
| electeetype =
|minister1name =
| minister1name =
|minister1pfo =
| minister1pfo =
|chief1name = [[Superintendent (police)|Superintendent]] Rob Allen
| chief1name = John McVea
|chief1position = Chief Police Officer
| chief1position = Chief of Police
|parentagency =
| parentagency =
|child1agency =
| child1agency =
|unittype =
| unittype =
|unitname =
| unitname =
|officetype =
| officetype =
|officename =
| officename =
|provideragency =
| provideragency =
|uniformedas =
| uniformedas =
|stationtype =
| stationtype =
|stations =
| stations =
|airbases =
| airbases =
|lockuptype =
| lockuptype =
|lockups =
| lockups =
|vehicle1type = Patrol car
| vehicle1type = Patrol car
|vehicles1 = Yes
| vehicles1 = Yes
|boat1type = Motor patrol boat
| boat1type = Motor patrol boat
|boats1 = 2 (15-metre)
| boats1 = 2 (15-metre)
|boat2type = Rigid-hulled inflatable boat
| boat2type = Rigid-hulled inflatable boat
|boats2 = 2 (Arctic 24)
| boats2 = 2 (Arctic 24)
|aircraft1type =
| aircraft1type =
|aircraft1 =
| aircraft1 =
|animal1type = Police dog
| animal1type = Police dog
|animals1 = Yes
| animals1 = Yes
|person1name =
| person1name =
|person1reason =
| person1reason =
|person1type =
| person1type =
|programme1 =
| programme1 =
|activity1name =
| activity1name =
|activitytype =
| activitytype =
|anniversary1 =
| anniversary1 =
|award1 =
| award1 =
|website =
| website = [https://twitter.com/MODGibraltar Official Twitter Page]
|footnotes =
| footnotes =
|reference =
| reference =
|narrowerbox = Yes
}}
}}


The '''Gibraltar Defence Police''' ('''GDP''') is a [[civil police]] force which guards and enforces law on [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] installations in [[Gibraltar]]. Prior to 17 December 2009 it was known as the '''Gibraltar Services Police''' ('''GSP''').<ref name=relaunch>[http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=17967 Gibraltar Chronicle - Gib Defence Police Officially Launched Last Night] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091218183856/http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=17967 |date=2009-12-18 }}</ref> It has 127 sworn officers and 16 civilian personnel.
The '''Gibraltar Defence Police''' ('''GDP''') is a civil police force which provides a policing and security service for the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] in [[Gibraltar]]. Prior to 17 December 2009 it was known as the '''Gibraltar Services Police''' ('''GSP''').<ref name=relaunch>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=17967|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091218183856/http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=17967|url-status=dead|title=Gibraltar Chronicle – Gib Defence Police Officially Launched Last Night|archivedate=December 18, 2009}}</ref>


==Overview==
==Overview==
[[File:Gibraltar Defence Police car (1).JPG|thumb|GDP Ford patrol car]]
⚫
The Gibraltar Defence Police is a statutory police force established under the Police Act of the Laws of Gibraltar. The Chief Police Officer (currently [[Superintendent (police)|Superintendent]] Rob Allen) is appointed by the [[Governor of Gibraltar]] and is responsible to the Commander, [[British Forces Gibraltar]].


⚫
The Gibraltar Defence Police is one of three civilian police forces within the UK Ministry of Defence. Officers are sworn under the Police Act of the Laws of Gibraltar. The Chief of Police is currently John McVea. An independent civilian police force which also provides civilian unarmed guards, the Chief of Police is responsible to the Commander, [[British Forces Gibraltar]].
In October 2004 the strength of the force was: 1 [[Superintendent (police)|Superintendent]], 2 [[Chief Inspector]]s, 6 [[Inspector]]s, 15 [[Sergeant]]s, 103 [[Constable]]s, and 16 civilian staff.


===Structure===
⚫
Since 20 March 1997 the GDP has shared a purpose-built [[headquarters]] with the [[Military of the United Kingdom|British Armed Forces]] [[Joint Provost and Security Unit]] (JPSU) at [[HMS Rooke|HMS ''Rooke'']].
In 2020, the strength of the force was said to be:{{cn|date=September 2021}} one chief of police, one deputy chief of police, two [[chief inspector]]s, five [[inspector]]s, 14 [[sergeant]]s, 72 [[constable]]s, together with civilian support staff and uniformed guards.


As of 2023, the total strength of the force was said to be about 100 officers.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2023/01/19/gibraltar-defence-police-face-up-to-detailed-inspection-for-first-time-in-85-year-history/ | title=GIBRALTAR DEFENCE POLICE FACE UP TO DETAILED INSPECTION FOR FIRST TIME IN 85-YEAR HISTORY |work=The Olive Press |last=Culatto |first=John |date=19 January 2023 |access-date=6 March 2024}}</ref>
⚫
Pay and conditions of the force are identical to those of the [[Ministry of Defence Police]] (MDP) in the [[United Kingdom]], of which it is a direct equivalent. The Gibraltar Defence Police Federation represents the interests of constables and sergeants.

===Headquarters===
⚫
Since 2016 the GDP has shared a purpose-built [[headquarters]] with the [[British Armed Forces]] Joint Provost and Security Unit (JPSU) (military police) at HM Naval Base Gibraltar.

===Pay and conditions===
⚫
Pay and conditions of the force are identical to those of the [[Ministry of Defence Police]] (MDP) in the [[United Kingdom]], of which it is a direct equivalent. The Gibraltar Defence Police Federation represents the interests of police officers up to the rank of chief inspector.


==Specialist units==
==Specialist units==


===Firearms===
===Firearms===
There is no specialist firearms unit. Like the MDP, all GDP officers are trained in the use of [[firearm]]s. Like most armed police units back in the United Kingdom officers in Gibraltar are usually armed with a [[Glock 17]] [[9x19mm]] pistol and a [[Heckler & Koch MP5]] 9mm sub-machine gun.
There is no specialist firearms unit. Like the MDP, all GDP officers are trained in the use of [[firearm]]s.


===Marine unit===
===Marine unit===
The force has a Marine Unit, founded in 1998, which consists of a sergeant and over twenty constables. It is charged with the seaward defence of Gibraltar's [[Royal Navy]] facilities and the [[naval ship|warship]]s moored in them, and also assists the [[Royal Gibraltar Police]] Marine Section with general security and enforcement patrols of waters surrounding Gibraltar. It operates two motor [[Launch (boat)|launch]]es and two [[rigid-hulled inflatable boat]]s (RHIBs). The original 10-metre motor launches of 1998 were replaced in 2003 with larger and faster 15-metre launches. One of these was itself replaced with a newer boat in 2012.<ref>Details of new vessel [http://www.yourgibraltartv.com/ygtv-news/written-news/1311-may-10-new-vessels-for-gibraltar-defence-police here].</ref> The RHIBs are Arctic 24 type boats, capable of speeds up to 55 knots.<ref>The boats and their speed capabilities are outlined [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/gibraltar-defence-police-learn-advanced-power-boat-skills here].</ref> Since 2011 the police marine unit has shared a headquarters and boat house with the [[Gibraltar Squadron]] of the [[Royal Navy]]. The boathouse holds the Navy's 5 patrol boats and RHIBs, and the police's 4 patrol boats and RHIBs.<ref>Details on the [http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2011/August/03/110803-Old-Boathouse-is-new-home-for-Gibraltar-Squadron Royal Navy website].</ref>
The force has a Marine Unit, founded in 1990, which consists of a sergeant and over 20 constables. It is charged with the seaward defence of Gibraltar's [[Royal Navy]] facilities and the [[naval ship|warship]]s moored in them, and also assists the [[Royal Gibraltar Police]] Marine Section with general security and enforcement patrols of waters surrounding Gibraltar. It operates two motor [[Launch (boat)|launch]]es and two [[rigid-hulled inflatable boat]]s (RHIBs). The original {{convert|10|m|adj=on}} motor launches of 1998 were replaced in 2003 with larger and faster {{convert|15|m|adj=on}} launches. One of these was itself replaced with a newer boat in 2012.
In 2021, the Ministry of Defence contracted with Marine Specialised Technology to build 16 new patrol boats for the [[Ministry of Defence Police]] and a further two specifically for the Gibraltar Defence Police. The new 15m boats, which are replacing the existing vessels, have a crew of three (plus room for four more passengers), a top speed of 30 knots and are fitted with both ballistic protection and CCTV surveillance systems. Delivery of the vessels was expected to begin in July 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Two new vessels for GDP as part of £36m MoD contract |url=https://www.chronicle.gi/two-new-vessels-for-gdp-as-part-of-36m-mod-contract/ |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Gibraltar Chronicle |date=17 June 2021}}</ref>
The RHIBs are Arctic 24 type boats, capable of speeds up to {{convert|55|knot}}.<ref>The boats and their speed capabilities are outlined [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/gibraltar-defence-police-learn-advanced-power-boat-skills here].</ref> Since 2011, the police marine unit has shared a headquarters and boathouse with the [[Gibraltar Squadron]] of the [[Royal Navy]]. The boathouse holds the Navy's five patrol boats and RHIBs, and the police's four patrol boats and RHIBs.<ref>Details on the [http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2011/August/03/110803-Old-Boathouse-is-new-home-for-Gibraltar-Squadron Royal Navy website].</ref>


===Dog section===
===Dog section===
Line 122: Line 133:


===Drugs intelligence===
===Drugs intelligence===
The force seconds officers to the [[Gibraltar Co-ordinating Centre for Criminal Intelligence and Drugs]] (GCID).
The force seconds officers to the Gibraltar Co-ordinating Centre for Criminal Intelligence and Drugs (GCID).


==Ranks==
==Ranks==
The rank structure of the GDP follows other British police forces, with ranks from chief officer down to constable.

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
!colspan=7|Gibraltar Defence Police ranks and insignia
|-
!Rank
|[[Chief Constable|Chief of police]]
|[[Deputy Chief Constable|Deputy chief of police]]
|[[Chief inspector#United Kingdom|Chief inspector]]
|[[Inspector#United Kingdom|Inspector]]
|[[Sergeant#United Kingdom|Sergeant]]
|[[Constable#United Kingdom|Constable]]
|-
!Epaulette insignia
|[[File:Chief Constable.svg|50px|link=Chief Constable]]
|[[File:Deputy Chief Constable.svg|78x78px]]
|[[File:CInsp.svg|50px|link=Chief inspector#United Kingdom]]
|[[File:Insp.svg|50px|link=Inspector#United Kingdom]]
|[[File:PS Epaulette.svg|50px|link=Sergeant#United Kingdom]]
|[[File:UK police constable epaulette, 2016.svg|50px|link=Constable#United Kingdom]]
|}

==Gallery==
A collection of photographs of the GDP:
<gallery>
File:GB Airways aircraft landing at Gibraltar Airport.jpg|GDP officer
File:Gibraltar Defence Police shed at runway crossing.JPG|Gibraltar Defence Police shed at runway crossing
File:Boats of the Gibraltar Defence Police Marine Unit MOD 45157643.jpg|An Arctic 24 Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) and the police launch 'Sir Evan Gibb', both of the Gibraltar Defence Police Marine Unit are pictured at speed in the Bay of Gibraltar.
File:Boats of the Gibraltar Defence Police Marine Unit MOD 45157642.jpg|The same boats, but with a view from the front
File:Gibraltar Police Car 4 x 4.jpg|Gibraltar Police 4x4, notice the naval ('RN') number plate - all GDP vehicles carry military number plates
File:Gibraltar Police car 3.jpg|Gibraltar Police [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] police car
</gallery>


==See also==
* [[Superintendent (police)|Superintendent]] (1)
*[[Royal Gibraltar Police]]
* [[Chief Inspector]] (2)
*[[His Majesty's Customs (Gibraltar)]]
* [[Inspector]] (6)
*[[Border and Coastguard Agency (Gibraltar)]]
* [[Sergeant]] (15)
*[[Law of Gibraltar]]
* [[Constable]] (103)
*[[British Overseas Territories]]
* Civilian staff (16)
*[[List of law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom, Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories]]


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 06:03, 26 September 2024

36°08′26″N 5°21′24″W / 36.14048°N 5.356641°W / 36.14048; -5.356641

Gibraltar Defence Police
Flag of Gibraltar
Flag of Gibraltar
Common nameDefence Police
AbbreviationGDP
Agency overview
Formed2009
Employees143 (with 100 officers reported as of 2023)[1]
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionGIB
Size6.8km2
Population32,194 (2015)
Legal jurisdictionGibraltar
Governing bodyMinistry of Defence
General nature
Operational structure
HeadquartersNorthgate House, HM Naval Base, Gibraltar
Sworn members95
Unsworn members50
Agency executive
  • John McVea, Chief of Police
Facilities
Patrol carsYes
Motor patrol boats2 (15-metre)
Rigid-hulled inflatable boats2 (Arctic 24)
Police dogsYes
Website
Official Twitter Page

The Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP) is a civil police force which provides a policing and security service for the Ministry of Defence in Gibraltar. Prior to 17 December 2009 it was known as the Gibraltar Services Police (GSP).[2]

Overview

GDP Ford patrol car

The Gibraltar Defence Police is one of three civilian police forces within the UK Ministry of Defence. Officers are sworn under the Police Act of the Laws of Gibraltar. The Chief of Police is currently John McVea. An independent civilian police force which also provides civilian unarmed guards, the Chief of Police is responsible to the Commander, British Forces Gibraltar.

Structure

In 2020, the strength of the force was said to be:[citation needed] one chief of police, one deputy chief of police, two chief inspectors, five inspectors, 14 sergeants, 72 constables, together with civilian support staff and uniformed guards.

As of 2023, the total strength of the force was said to be about 100 officers.[3]

Headquarters

Since 2016 the GDP has shared a purpose-built headquarters with the British Armed Forces Joint Provost and Security Unit (JPSU) (military police) at HM Naval Base Gibraltar.

Pay and conditions

Pay and conditions of the force are identical to those of the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) in the United Kingdom, of which it is a direct equivalent. The Gibraltar Defence Police Federation represents the interests of police officers up to the rank of chief inspector.

Specialist units

Firearms

There is no specialist firearms unit. Like the MDP, all GDP officers are trained in the use of firearms.

Marine unit

The force has a Marine Unit, founded in 1990, which consists of a sergeant and over 20 constables. It is charged with the seaward defence of Gibraltar's Royal Navy facilities and the warships moored in them, and also assists the Royal Gibraltar Police Marine Section with general security and enforcement patrols of waters surrounding Gibraltar. It operates two motor launches and two rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs). The original 10-metre (33 ft) motor launches of 1998 were replaced in 2003 with larger and faster 15-metre (49 ft) launches. One of these was itself replaced with a newer boat in 2012.

In 2021, the Ministry of Defence contracted with Marine Specialised Technology to build 16 new patrol boats for the Ministry of Defence Police and a further two specifically for the Gibraltar Defence Police. The new 15m boats, which are replacing the existing vessels, have a crew of three (plus room for four more passengers), a top speed of 30 knots and are fitted with both ballistic protection and CCTV surveillance systems. Delivery of the vessels was expected to begin in July 2022.[4]

The RHIBs are Arctic 24 type boats, capable of speeds up to 55 knots (102 km/h; 63 mph).[5] Since 2011, the police marine unit has shared a headquarters and boathouse with the Gibraltar Squadron of the Royal Navy. The boathouse holds the Navy's five patrol boats and RHIBs, and the police's four patrol boats and RHIBs.[6]

Dog section

The GDP dog section was formed in 2012, and consists of a team of handlers, led by a sergeant, and six general purpose dogs. The initial six dogs are of the Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Dutch Shepherd Dog breeds. The GDP previously relied on service dogs and handlers seconded from United Kingdom police forces, but as part of the GDP Project Euston, which seeks to replace all secondment from UK forces with locally provided Gibraltarian services, the GDP dog section has been established.[7]

Drugs intelligence

The force seconds officers to the Gibraltar Co-ordinating Centre for Criminal Intelligence and Drugs (GCID).

Ranks

The rank structure of the GDP follows other British police forces, with ranks from chief officer down to constable.

Gibraltar Defence Police ranks and insignia
Rank Chief of police Deputy chief of police Chief inspector Inspector Sergeant Constable
Epaulette insignia

A collection of photographs of the GDP:

  • GDP officer
    GDP officer
  • Gibraltar Defence Police shed at runway crossing
    Gibraltar Defence Police shed at runway crossing
  • An Arctic 24 Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) and the police launch 'Sir Evan Gibb', both of the Gibraltar Defence Police Marine Unit are pictured at speed in the Bay of Gibraltar.
    An Arctic 24 Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) and the police launch 'Sir Evan Gibb', both of the Gibraltar Defence Police Marine Unit are pictured at speed in the Bay of Gibraltar.
  • The same boats, but with a view from the front
    The same boats, but with a view from the front
  • Gibraltar Police 4x4, notice the naval ('RN') number plate - all GDP vehicles carry military number plates
    Gibraltar Police 4x4, notice the naval ('RN') number plate - all GDP vehicles carry military number plates
  • Gibraltar Police Ford police car
    Gibraltar Police Ford police car

See also

References

  1. ^ Culatto, John (19 January 2023). "GIBRALTAR DEFENCE POLICE FACE UP TO DETAILED INSPECTION FOR FIRST TIME IN 85-YEAR HISTORY". The Olive Press. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  2. ^ "Gibraltar Chronicle – Gib Defence Police Officially Launched Last Night". Archived from the original on December 18, 2009.
  3. ^ Culatto, John (19 January 2023). "GIBRALTAR DEFENCE POLICE FACE UP TO DETAILED INSPECTION FOR FIRST TIME IN 85-YEAR HISTORY". The Olive Press. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Two new vessels for GDP as part of £36m MoD contract". Gibraltar Chronicle. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  5. ^ The boats and their speed capabilities are outlined here.
  6. ^ Details on the Royal Navy website.
  7. ^ References for breeds and Project Euston may be found on the UK Government website.
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