Delivering resources for largest ever pre-planned operation; the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

With just 67 days until the start of the London 2012 Games, Bedfordshire Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary have 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, 52 forces have worked together to resource the 105-day long national policing, which begins on 4 June and runs until 16 September.

Officers from a variety of Beds and Herts joint units, as well as local policing officers from both forces will support the operation by providing assistance for a total of 99 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 from both Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire forces combined varies each day, ranging from a maximum of around 75 officers to as low as just 1 officer on other days. In total, but not on one day, around 232 individual officers from Beds and Herts 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 such as motorcyclists, firearms and protection officers.
Both forces have adopted a range of measures to maximise the number of officers available to assist with the Games but also to continue policing across their own force areas.
Assistant Chief Constable for Beds and Herts Joint Units, Steve Devine, said: "We are delighted to be able to play our part in the national response to this 'once in a life time' event and for those individual officers who are working to support the Games it is an honour to serve. Our priority, of course, is maintaining our core policing responsibilities in Beds and Herts while supporting the Olympics. We will ensure residents and visitors to our area continue to receive the service they expect and deserve."

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 52 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."