Officers in training for Olympic role

SOMEWHERE in the region of 198 police officers from Northamptonshire will be part of a special force put together to provide policing for the Olympic Games in London.

Officers from Northamptonshire Police have been working with national colleagues in will be the largest ever pre-planned policing operation, while also ensuring that core policing for local communities continues.

The 105-day national policing operation begins on 4 June and runs until 16 September, and Northamptonshire Police will support the operation by providing officers to assist for a total of 47 days.  The commitment of the Force varies each day, ranging from a maximum of around 82 officers to as low as just two officers on other days.

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.

Northamptonshire Police will be lending expertise from its public order unit, dog section and firearms unit.

Annual leave has been restricted across the service, non-essential training has been postponed and the Special Constabulary and volunteers will also play a role.

Assistant Chief Constable Martin Jelley, who is overseeing the Force’s London 2012 operations, said: “The Olympic Games is the largest pre-planned peace time operation that many of us will ever see. Officers from across the Force have volunteered to be part of the national response and we have local Olympic duties to provide safe passage for Olympic teams through the county.

“This is on top of our day-to-day business, which certainly will not stop for the Olympics.

“I am extremely confident that we are fully prepared to play our role.