141 Cumbrian police officers involved in London Olympics security

With 67 days until the start of the London 2012 Games, Cumbria Constabulary has been working with national colleagues to help resource what will be the largest ever pre-planned policing operation, while also ensuring that core policing for our communities continues.

Overseen by AC Chris Allison, the National Olympic Security Coordinator, 52 forces have worked together to resource the 105-day long national policing operation, which
begins on 4 June and runs until 16 September.

Cumbria Constabulary will support the operation by providing officers to assist for a total of 98 days. Final planning for their deployments is underway, but the majority of
officers will assist the Metropolitan Police and Dorset Police, which have the largest Games operations.

The commitment of the force varies each day, ranging from a maximum of around 65 officers to as low as just one officer on other days. In total, but not on one day,
around 141 individual officers from Cumbria Constabulary will contribute to keeping the Games safe and secure.*

While the majority of officers travelling to police the Games are general beat officers, providing their usual professional service and working alongside the public, there is
also a requirement for some specialist skilled officers to assist.

Cumbria Constabulary will be lending its expertise from the marine, public order, dog unit, search officers, firearms officers and protection officers to assist with this
complex operation.

They have adopted a range of measures to maximise the numberof officers available to assist with the Games but also to continue policing as normal
across the force area. Annual leave has been restricted across the service, non- essential training has been postponed and the Special Constabulary will play their role.

Cumbria Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said: “The Olympic Games 2012 presents a unique challenge for the UK policing service due to
the scale of the event and numbers of people expected to attend.

“Cumbria Constabulary, alongside other forces, is proud to support the policing effort.Officers who are being deployed from Cumbria to work in other forces have kindly
volunteered, which has meant that we have been able to plan ahead to ensure that our day to day policing arrangements in Cumbria are not affected.

“In Cumbria, it will be ‘business as usual’ throughout the course of the Olympic Games. Due to the commitment and dedication of our officers and staff, and with
the help of the Special Constabulary, our staffing levels will not be affected so local communities can expect to receive the same high standards of service.”

AC Chris Allison, the National Olympic Security Coordinator, said: “Chief Constables and forces have worked together, contributing fairly to meet the incredible demand of the Games. I’m happy to say that every force has played its part. It’s down to the continued cooperation and assistance of forces and the enthusiasm of officers, that we have been able to meet this extraordinary resourcing demand.

“All 51 forces are playing a role to deliver a fantastic summer of celebration, yet our planning has also ensured that our core policing continues, keeping our communities safe. In addition, we maintain our regional resilience, able to manage major incidents or investigations and respond to contingencies outside of the Games wherever necessary.

“The summer of 2012 will be a busy and challenging time for the British police service, but with confidence and pride I can say that we have the officers we
need to keep the Games and our wider communities safe and secure.”