Police say they're ready for Olympic protesters

By: ctvbc.ca

Date: Friday Feb. 5, 2010

http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100206/bc_olympics_police_ready_100205/20100206?hub=BritishColumbia

A day after anti-Olympic activists issued a global call for protesters to converge on the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, police said they're ready to deal with whatever disturbances erupt.

Officers from across Canada have converged on the city – the largest show of domestic security on the West Coast since the Second World War.

On Friday, police explained the different functions police agencies will play during the Games.

The Integrated Security Unit, led by the RCMP, has the dominant responsibility, overseeing security at 15 venues and the transportation corridors.

But if a criminal act occurs within one of the venues in Vancouver, Vancouver police will lead the investigation.

Outside the venues, the Vancouver police will be responsible for crowd management and control.

During the course of each day during the Games, there'll be about 370 additional Vancouver police officers working, and another 120 assigned to traffic detail.

RCMP Assistant Commissioner Bud Mercer emphasized that he has no problem with lawful protest.

"I have no issue with it. … I have a responsibility to support that," he told reporters.

On Thursday, anti-Olympic activist Chris Shaw told reporters that if things turn violent, it won't be the fault of protesters.

"If there is violence it is not coming from us. The only violence I have seen in these sorts of things has come from the police," he said.

Vancouver police dispute the claim.

"Our response will be really dictated by the activities of the protesters," said Vancouver police Deputy Chief Steve Sweeney.

Police said they are anticipating anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 protesters.

ctvbc.ca