No Rest for Mercer
 
Bob Mackin
24 Hours Vancouver
4 Feb 2010 - 4
 
Just because U.S. President Barack Obama isn't coming to Vancouver
doesn't mean the Games' top cop can rest easy.
 
"He would've created a security challenge," Vancouver 2010
Integrated Security Unit chief Bud Mercer admitted Wednesday. "A
whole host of other (internationally protected persons) are going to
make life interesting."
 
Mercer said there could be 25 to 40 top-level foreign dignitaries.
 
Mercer said the chance of a major incident at the Games remains low
and "there is absolutely no known threat to the Olympic or
Paralympic Games."
 
"Based on today's environment, unless there's a change either
domestically or internationally I would suggest that we are able to
stay within the $900 million (budget)," Mercer said.
 
Mercer said "safe assembly areas" would be available for
demonstrators at most venues. The PNE's demolition derby stadium and
Callister Park across from the Pacific Coliseum are two locations,
but there will be no signage or fencing.
 
"If you protest lawfully and non-violently you can do it wherever you
like," Mercer said.
 
The 500-person, RCMP-led V2010 ISU has grown to almost 15,000. He
said there are 6,000 police who "can effect arrest and forward
charges as required," along with 4,500 Canadian Forces troops and
4,800 private security personnel.

Bob Mackin 24 Hours Vancouver