In the Ruthenian Empire, the Imperial Protective Service (IPS) (αυτοκρατορική υπηρεσία προστασίας), is a imperial government agency concerned with the tasks related to the protection of several, mandated by the relevant law, high-ranking state officials, including the Basileus and the imperial family, as well as certain imperial properties. It traces its origin to the Athanatoi and the archaic excubitors of the special guards of the basileus.