Warsaw convoy unit marks 20 years of service

5 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

The Metropolitan Police Escort Unit in Warsaw celebrates 20 years, highlighting its role in prisoner transport, court security and bomb-sweeps.

The Metropolitan Police Escort Unit marked its 20th anniversary on August 1, 2026. Moreover, the celebration highlighted the unit’s work transporting thousands and protecting courts.

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Metropolitan Police Escort Unit operations and scope

The unit employs almost 300 officers and civilian staff. In addition, they run convoys, court security, and bomb-detection tasks. Consequently, they escort detained, arrested and convicted people to courts and prisons. Furthermore, they move juveniles to youth facilities. However, they also handle foreign nationals sent to guarded centres under court orders. The unit organises long-distance stage convoys across Poland. Therefore, it supports other Warsaw garrison units during hospitalisations and transfers.

International convoys and specialised transport

Officers carry out complex international escorts on aircraft. Most flights go to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Moreover, stołeczni officers have escorted detainees to Japan, Australia and Latin America. In addition, they execute European Arrest Warrant transfers and other treaty-based moves. The unit manages high-value transports too. Consequently, it cooperates with the National Bank of Poland and state museums. Therefore, Warsaw handles more valuable cargoes than other regions.

Courts, piro-technical teams and equipment

The unit contains two court police sections. One moves people from local remand centres to court. The other secures judges, prosecutors and court staff. Moreover, officers guard trial rooms and respond to incidents. The non-permanent Bomb and Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance Group includes 34 specialists. In addition, four handlers work with dogs that smell explosives. Consequently, they screen court buildings before major trials and state visits. The unit uses 43 specialised transport vehicles. Fifteen of those have isolation cells and four carry CCTV systems. Also, staff use 13 patrol cars and two dog transport vehicles. Therefore, the unit keeps vehicles roadworthy through an internal technical section.

Scale, statistics and new technology

In the first half of 2026, officers transported more than 6,500 people. In 2025, the unit moved nearly 15,000 people. Moreover, they secured 241 court hearings in that period. They also carried out 803 piro-technical checks. Furthermore, they made 80 interventions and arrested 17 suspects. Also, they assisted over 5,000 courtroom transfers. The unit plans a pilot AI CCTV system in detainee rooms. Consequently, the system aims to detect fights and dangerous behaviour automatically. Therefore, it will support officers who supervise detainees.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: For expats, Poland uses different administrative terms. For example, PESEL means a national ID number. ZUS refers to social insurance contributions. NFZ means the public health insurer. Consequently, if police ask about legal status during a transfer, show ID and retain contact details for your embassy. Moreover, if you witness a court escort, keep distance and follow officer instructions.

Poland’s convoy unit evolved from earlier battalions and sections. Moreover, the Police Child Reception Room now forms part of the unit. Therefore, the unit provides custody for minors under court orders. The Police produced a new video episode documenting everyday tasks. In addition, the film highlights roles that usually stay out of public view.

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