[1] Under the Security Bureau of the TMPD, the division is responsible for protecting domestic and foreign dignitaries on Japanese soil and abroad.

[1][5] The word "SP" is a loanword used in the Japanese law enforcement system, based on the badge worn by the agents.

[1] After an assassination attempt against then–US Ambassador to Japan Edwin O. Reischauer in 1964, the chairman of the National Public Safety Commission was pressured to resign.

[3] It was not until June 18, 1975, when then–Prime Minister Takeo Miki was attacked publicly by the Greater Japan Patriotic Party Secretary General Hiroyoshi Fudeyasu,[6] that the National Police Agency ordered the formation of the division.

[9] On April 15, 2023, SP officers in the Saikazaki bombing incident were able to quickly move Fumio Kishida after a pipebomb was thrown near him.

Section 3 is known to conduct duties on guarding foreign VIPs such as ambassadors and heads of state while Section 4 are to protect the Chief Justice of Japan, the Governor of Tokyo, and others qualified for protection such as the Vice President of the House of Councillors, the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives, and party leaders.