With just 67 days until the start of the London 2012 Games, Cheshire Police 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, 51 forces have worked together to resource the 105-day long national policing, which begins on 4 June and runs until 16 September.
Cheshire Constabulary will support the operation by providing officers to assist for a total of 101 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 119 officers to as low as just one officer on other days. In total, but not on one day, around 232 individual officers from Cheshire 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.
Cheshire Police has adopted a range of measures to maximise the number of officers available to assist with the Games but also to continue policing across the force area. Annual leave has been cancelled, non-essential training has been postponed and the Special Constabulary will be contributing additional hours to support their colleagues.
ACC Janette McCormick who has overall responsibility for Cheshire Police′s contribution to the Olympics said:
"I want to reassure Cheshire residents and businesses that during this time of unprecedented demand on policing services that we will continue to deliver a robust response to incidents of crime and disorder, whilst providing staff who will play their part in the national policing effort for the Olympics.
"I want to send a clear message to anyone who believes that our response to criminal activity will be diminished that this is not the case and anyone who commits a crime will be dealt with robustly.
"We will continue to response effectively and deal with issues that arise in our communities efficiently. Local people may see fewer officers attending community meetings, going into schools or attending community events, but residents can rest assured that our response will be equal to our response at any other time of the year.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank local businesses for allowing their staff, who are Special Constables the time to support their regular colleagues on the streets.
"Finally, I would ask every Cheshire resident to play their part by taking simple precautions to ensure their homes and property are kept safe. We need to remain vigilant during the forthcoming celebrations, denying criminals the opportunity to commit crime can make a real difference in ensuring Cheshire remains a safe place in which to live and work."
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."
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