The head of the elite police division which guards politicians, the royal family and diplomats has resigned following the publication of a critical report about the way the unit functions.

The report shows the unit is riddled with mistrust, miscommunications and conflicts, the NRC said on Wednesday. Although the problems do not pose a risk to safety, the culture within the unit is in serious need of improving, the paper quotes the report as saying.

Some 400 police officers work in the unit. In particular there are divisions between longer serving officers and new recruits, the NRC said.

The report was drawn up following complaints from police unions about the pressure of work, lack of trust and abuse of privileges.