WARWICKSHIRE Police will be providing officers to assist in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
With the massive event nearly here the force has been working with national colleagues to help provide resources for what will be the largest ever pre-planned policing operation, while also ensuring that core policing for communities continues.
Overseen by AC Chris Allison, the National Olympic security co-ordinator, 52 forces, including Warwickshire, have worked together to resource the 105-day national policing, which begins on Friday and runs until September 16.
Warwickshire Police will support the operation by providing officers to assist for a total of 60 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.
Assistant Chief Constable Guy Rutter, said: “We are proud that our officers are part of the skilled team who will police the Games, this is a once in a generation opportunity.
“We would like to reassure the residents of Warwickshire that we have a good level of officers and staff remaining in our force area to maintain core policing.
“We remain committed to serving and protecting our communities. Local people should not notice any depreciation in the service we provide. We look forward to welcoming the torch to Warwickshire on July 1.”
The commitment of the force varies each day, ranging from a maximum of around 59 officers to as low as just two officers on other days.
In total, but not on one day, around 166 individual officers from Warwickshire Police will contribute to keeping the Games safe and secure.
Warwickshire 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 county, including Nuneaton, Bedworth and North Warwickshire.
Annual leave has been restricted across the force and the Special Constabulary and volunteers will play an important role.
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.”
