Olympic security drills slated for end of October
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: September 08, 2009 2:19 PM
At the end of October, North Shore residents could be listening to the whoosh of helicopter blades.
That's when the RCMP-led Integrated Security Unit (ISU), the unit overseeing security at the Games, will run through drills testing security plans, ISU spokesperson Staff-Sgt. Mike Cote told The Outlook.
Although exact details aren't ironed out, all the unit's partners, including the military, will participate in the training exercise, he said.
"There will be very little impact on the public," Cote said.
The majority of the areas slated for the practice are already off limits to the public, he said. ISU expect to finalize details by Oct. 10.
"We waiting for the final word on how many (navy) vessels will be involved," Cote said.
The Canadian Forces will be a huge asset to the unit, he said, noting they will assist RCMP with transportation of goods and resources.
Much of the geography surrounding Olympic venues is difficult to traverse, which is where the military come into play.
With high-tech equipment and aircrafts, the force will be able to monitor steep hillsides and forested land, Cote said.
The West Vancouver Police Department will also be involved in the drill, Const. Jeff Palmer said.
"We have two inspectors and two constables assigned with the unit," he said.
The department has already gone through tabletop exercises with ISU in preparation for the Games.
raldous@northshoreoutlook.com
v2
