2010 POLICE STATE

“Rule 61 of the IOC Charter (1997) requires the host city to guarantee that there will be no demonstrations or ‘political, religious or racial propaganda’ in or near Olympic venues. The IOC rule, however, is more concerned with maintaining law & order than with combating racism.”
(Inside the Olympic Industry, p. 108)

(Under the 2004 Olympic Charter, this rule prohibiting protests & information is now No. 53)

Preparations and the hosting of Olympic Games involves large deployments of police, military and security personnel. Some historians claim security became a major concern following the 1972 Munich Olympics when Palestinian commandos took Israeli athletes hostage, demanding the release of comrades held prisoner by Israel. Members of the commando unit as well as hostages were killed when police stormed the group attempting to board a helicopter.

Four years earlier, however, thousands of police and soldiers were on the streets during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. On October 2, days before the opening ceremonies, hundreds of mostly student protesters were massacred following huge, successive rallies against the government. Tanks and armoured vehicles prowled city streets to maintain ‘law and order’, while the Olympic spectacle unfolded within militarized stadiums.

Since these times, Olympic Games, like other large international government & corporate gatherings, have been characterized by large deployments of police & military personnel, including heavily-armed special forces and police tactical units.

For Vancouver 2010, some 12,500 cops, soldiers, and security guards are to take part in security operations, in both Vancouver & Whistler. It is expected that the bulk of the security forces will be located in Vancouver.

Olympic Police States: Key Points

Prior experiences with Olympics and police repression show the following patterns:

• large amounts of resources are directed towards both police and military forces, including money, personnel, and equipment. This includes arming & equipping personnel with new weapons, vehicles, tools, & surveillance technology.

• areas around Olympic venues are designated as special security zones, with access limited to holders of special ID passes (i.e., residents, Olympic officials, athletes, etc.).

• increased use of Closed-Circuit TVs (video surveillance of public space) in venues, public areas, and streets.

• anti-Olympic or oppositional groups are subjected to intensified surveillance & harassment by police & intelligence agencies, particularly in the months preceding the actual Games.

• corporate media are used to justify the large deployment of security forces and measures taken (i.e., threats of ‘terrorist’ attacks, social disorder, etc.).

• anti-Olympic protests are subjected to heavy police controls including use of riot police, violent attacks on demonstrations, and enforcement of ‘no-protest’ zones around Olympic venues.

• key infrastructure & personnel (including Olympic, government & corporate officials, transportation routes, communications, electrical, etc.) are guarded by security forces.

• in addition to police & military, large numbers of private security guards are employed.

2010 POLICE STATE: NOTES

Largest Security Operation in Canada’s History
“The Canadian Forces are planning to deploy troops for the largest security operation in Canadian history at Vancouver’s 2010 Olympics… The military are assembling plans to provide maritime security, air support and troops—possibly calling up reserves—to secure the Games against a potential attack by terrorists, according to Defense Department documents.”
(“Games security to be largest in history,” by Campbell Clark, Globe & Mail, March 7, 2007)

On August 30, 2007, the Canadian Forces officially established its Joint task Force Games (JTFG) as the lead group responsible for planning the military’s 2010 security work in collaboration with the RCMP’s Vancouver 2010-Integrated Security Unit (V2010-ISU).

The JTFG “will fall under Canada Command and is being led by Rear-Admiral Tyrone Pile, the head of Joint task force Pacific. Reporting directly to the admiral will be Col. David Barr who was assigned chief of staff to the Games joint task force after serving as the commander of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command…

“The headquarters for the joint task force is located in Victoria, but there are military liaison officers also station with the RCMP in Richmond [where V2010-ISU is headquartered]. The CF is planning to eventually build a large mainland component in Kamloops as the Games approach.”
(“Operation Podium; the CF prepares for the Vancouver Olympics,” by Darcy Knoll, Esprit de Corps, November 2007).

According to JTFG spokesperson Lt.-Commander Mark MacIntyre, ‘Operation Podium’ will have CF personnel from both reserve & regular forces of the army, navy and air force:

“We’re pretty well set up in terms of the maritime component on this coast because we do maritime surveillance & patrol as our daily tasks here… And of course the air component will provide security for airborne threats and we’ll be relying a lot on NORAD for that… And then when it comes to a land component there will be whatever presence is required from regular army units from across Canada and they’ll be situated throughout the Olympics area of responsibility to cover off the threats we estimate that we will encounter” [adding that there will be] “a robust special forces component that will be integrated into the whole planning process.”
(Esprit de Corps, November 2007)

While the CF would be looking at other Olympics for experience & lessons learned in security operations, the model most closely similar to 2010 may be the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City:
“Coming less than six months after the attacks of September 11, these Games were known for their heightened security levels. It was estimated that each day would draw between 70,000 and 80,000 visitors and as a result more than 10,000 security personnel descended upon the city.

“The overall strategy was run by the Secret Service, which utilized every agency it could for a variety of tasks. In terms of the military, the Defense Department deployed 4,500 personnel to assist with logistics, communications, explosives detection and aviation support. A 45-mile radius restricted flying area was imposed over Salt Lake City and all Olympic events. Armed soldiers from the Utah National Guard patrolled airport terminals and metal detectors greeted visitors at all venues. This was in conjunction with agents from the FBI, US Customs Service, US Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, the Department of Energy and several other federal, state, & municipal agencies.”
(Esprit de Corps, November 2007)

Vancouver Police Seek Armoured Vehicles for 2010
In mid-March, 2007, Vancouver police unveiled plans to acquire two ‘tactical armoured vehicles’ for 2010. Sgt. Norm Webster stated “I’d like to have these in place prior to the Olympics, but it isn’t just because of that” (“Police eye armour for 2010,” 24 Hours, March 15, 2007).

The vehicles the VPD would like to get are ‘BearCats’, made by US-based LENCO, which manufactures SWAT trucks for police in the USA. They cost $192,000 US each, and provide protection against small arms fire, as well as grenades.

The BearCat armoured vehicles are based on the chassis of a Ford F550. They can seat up to ten officers and can carry additional persons on exterior running boards. Inside the vehicle are firing ports large enough to fire less-lethal ammunition (i.e., rubber bullets, tear gas).

“[Sgt.] Webster said he is not advocating the purchase of an armoured vehicle for use during protests, or during the 2010 Olympic Games. However, he also wouldn’t dismiss that possibility when asked it if would be used during a protest or riot. He said an armoured vehicle might be used during a riot, if a police officer or citizen was threatened, or if firearms were being used.”
(“Barrelling through the gunfire,” by Glenn Bohn, The Vancouver Sun, March 17, 2007)

Security Budget Not Enuf
In July 2007, the RCMP made public internal documents stating that the $175 million budget for 2010 security was too low, citing several “under-funded financial pressures.” This reaffirmed what many have been saying for several years, including the IOC president back in 2003.
Scott Taylor, a former soldier and publisher of Esprit de Corps magazine, speculated that the costs for 2010 security would probably be at least half a billion dollars:
“I’d be looking more in the half-billion dollar range… just for the military.”
(“Fortress British Columbia,” by Jeff Lee & Miro Cernetig, The Vancouver Sun, August 4, 2007)

“Fortress British Columbia”
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are the lead force with overall responsibility for 2010 security, which is to be organized through the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (VISU). VISU involves all RCMP, police, military, intelligence and other security agencies tasked with 2010 security. The strategy of the RCMP was reportedly outlined several years ago in internal communications:
“Reduce the external focus on security measures so that Vanoc and the governments of Canada and BC may have more opportunity to highlight and promote their initiatives and plans.”
(“Fortress British Columbia,” by Jeff Lee & Miro Cernetig, The Vancouver Sun, August 4, 2007)

“The official 2010 Olympic venues are spread out over Vancouver, Richmond, West Vancouver and Whistler. But there are many more places & facilities that need to be protected, from Vancouver International Airport to the city’s harbour to the Vancouver Integrated Security Unit (VISU) and Vanoc offices in Richmond & East Vancouver.”
(“Fortress British Columbia,” by Jeff Lee & Miro Cernetig, The Vancouver Sun, August 4, 2007)

According to John Thompson, head of the right-wing Mackenzie Institute and alleged expert on anti-terrorism, however,
“You can’t secure a whole city. You can secure an Olympic village or venue, but you can’t secure a whole city. Nobody has that much in the way of resources. There’s never a guarantee. No protection, no defense, no barrier is 100 per cent effective, under any circumstances.”
(“Fortress British Columbia,” by Jeff Lee & Miro Cernetig, The Vancouver Sun, August 4, 2007)

“[Spokesperson for VISU, RCMP Sgt. Pierre] Lemaitre said surveillance is already being used to keep tabs on potential troublemakers. ‘Even today, in preparation for the Games, we have intelligence units who are working and keeping a pulse on anybody who may have reasons to bring mayhem and harm to our Canadian society.’”
(“Fortress British Columbia,” by Jeff Lee & Miro Cernetig, The Vancouver Sun, August 4, 2007)

“The demand on security forces is staggering. According to the bid book used to win the Games—more than 12,350 RCMP, police, private security and other guards were expected to be used to protect 5,000 athletes & officials, 10,000 media, 25,000 volunteers and hundreds of thousands of spectators and visitors.
“The draft plan included everything from the restriction of airspace and waterways to the use of intelligence services and the military. Lemaitre says VISU is also drawing on all of the specialist teams, such as the Emergency Response Team, hostage negotiators, crowd control units, bomb-detection units and others.”
(“Fortress British Columbia,” by Jeff Lee & Miro Cernetig, The Vancouver Sun, August 4, 2007)

Scott Taylor, a former soldier and publisher of Esprit de Corps magazine, speculated that the costs for 2010 security would probably be at least half a billion dollars:
“I’d be looking more in the half-billion dollar range… just for the military.”
(“Fortress British Columbia,” by Jeff Lee & Miro Cernetig, The Vancouver Sun, August 4, 2007)

“One of the key elements of the military’s role in Olympic security will be Canada’s secretive JTF-2 special forces task team. They are Canada’s top commandos, as many as 350 of the armed forces’ best soldiers; ace snipers, elite body guards…
“Canadian Forces divers from Esquimalt will patrol Vancouver’s harbour.
“There’s also a new, post-9/11 contingent of the military: CSOR, the Canadian Special Operations Regiment, created in 2006 as part of an integrated national approach by the federal government to carry out counter-terrorism…
“In Vancouver, says Taylor, the unit will be guarding against the threat of nuclear, chemical or biological attacks…
“David Hahn, who runs BC Ferries, said the recent bomb threat [against BC Ferries in summer 2007] won’t change the corporations security plans. But as 2010 approaches, British Columbians can expect to see tighter security around transportation infrastructure, including ferries.
“They should expect that all aspects of transportation in BC will be subject to greater security oversight,” said Hahn…
“I don’t think there is a general feeling we are going to be under an international attack situation. Certainly the possibility of domestic disruption is more significant, he said.
“I think if there is a mishandling of domestic problems, I think that is a far bigger headache than they would want. Because that could be a pretty big black eye for Canada on the world stage if our police act in an overly aggressive manner to have the downhill ski event start at 12:15 sharp.”
(“Fortress British Columbia,” by Jeff Lee & Miro Cernetig, The Vancouver Sun, August 4, 2007)

New Olympic Top Cop Named
In October, 2007, a new top cop for the RCMP’s Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit was named, chief superintendent Bud Mercer. Mercer became assistant commissioner in charge of VISU, replacing Chief Supt. Bob Harrisman, “who left suddenly to pursue ‘other opportunities’ earlier this year after five years as head of the unit. Harriman’s departure followed shortly after the publication of internal RCMP documents that said police believe the $175-million 2010 security budget is too small” (“Mercer gets a new beat: 2010 Games,” by Damian Inwood, The Province, October 25, 2007).
Beginning in 2005, Mercer was responsible for all federal policing in BC, including criminal investigations, national security, drug enforcement, border security and VIP protection.

Video Surveillance at Olympic Venues, Live Sites & Streets
The Live Sites in Vancouver “will have 24-hour remote video surveillance cameras… and surrounding streets will also have video surveillance” (Damian Inwood, “Yaletown park to become party zone,” The Province, Sept. 13, 2007). In 2008, the RCMP announced they would be using some 40 km of security fencing with intrusion-detection devices, including CCTV video surveillance.

Anti-Terrorist Training Exercises
Police, military, and emergency services have begun carrying out join training exercises in and around Vancouver. A recent one focusing on a biological warfare scenario was held in late October, 2007, in Delta, a suburb of Vancouver:
“A massive anti-terrorist exercise has exposed potential weaknesses in authorities methods just 28 months before the 2010 Olympics.
“The $400,000 federal government simulation in Delta last week showed local politicians they lack the power to isolate people for health reasons.
“If there is a plume of deadly germs, you don’t want people to leave, because the whole province could be infected. You want them to stay,” Delta mayor Lois Jackson said yesterday.
“Municipalities such as Delta act under a provincial list of nine emergency powers. They can order evacuations but not isolate people.
“As the lead local government, Delta’s lack of authority was crucial to the event’s outcome. Only the health department can order a quarantine…
“The mock biological attack, which took three years to plan, was the largest ever held in Canada.
“I believe the total cost for equipment and services in kind would be close to $1 million,” said program manager Bob Walker of the Justice Institute of BC.
“Officials said it was a coincidence that the exercise was held locally a little more than two years before the world visits Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
“But Jackson believes the choice of location had something to do with the upcoming Games…”
(“Terror exercise reveals local weakness,” by Kent Spencer, The Province, October 25, 2007)

RCMP Requests 2010 Bus Fleet
In late October 2007, the RCMP announced they required a bus company with a fleet of 40 buses to move tactical officers during the 2010 Olympics. The request for proposals was posted on the BC government’s 2010 Commerce Center website.
According to the posting, the RCMP will provide training for drivers of 40 buses “who don’t mind being on call 24 hours a day and responding to emergencies with a busload of RCMP tactical officers.”
“Forty buses will be needed from Jan. 8 to March 29, 2010. They must have DVD and CD capability, TV monitors and, at minimum, a two-way radio system. And they must have a good heating system.
“The bus company, along with providing venue shuttle services, will also have to bring officers from all over BC and Alberta to the 2010 Winter games. The RCMP are also looking for housing for officers in the Sea-to-Sky corridor… The RCMP will be looking at all types of accommodation, including bed-and-breakfasts and double-occupancy rooms.”
(“Mounties hoping to get their special bus drivers,” by Clare Ogilvie, The Province, October 30, 2007)
Although the term ‘tactical officers’ usually refers to members of ERT’s, it is also used by RCMP at times to refer to riot/crowd control units, large groups of which would more likely require bus transport than ERT units.

Police Training Academy to be Closed for 2010
In December 2007, it was reported that the Justice Institute of BC, located in New Westminster (a suburb of Vancouver), would be closed for possibly months due to 2010. The Institute trains municipal police forces, firefighters, paramedics, private security guards, and sheriffs. Most of the police trainers are from the Vancouver Police Department who, due to personnel shortages, will require these trainers for use during 2010 security.

Private Security Guards and 2010
In Australia during the 2000 Sydney Summer Games, thousands of private security guards, many with minimal training, were used for Olympic security. For 2010, a similar use of thousands of security guards will also be used. The industry itself has experienced a rapid growth since the early 1990s. In 1991, there were an some 4,804 licensed security workers in BC. By 2005, that number had increased to 11,684,
“And this ratio is only expected to spike with the Olympics when private firms will line up at the 2010 trough and take on the mundane but necessary details of site security and crowd control.”
(“Fear Factor” by Andrew Findlay, BC Business, January 2008)

Private security is under the authority of the BC Minister of Public Safety & Solicitor General. It includes patrols, armoured cars, private investigators, lock smiths and alarm monitors. To be licensed, personnel must take a Basic Standards training course at the Justice Institute of BC.
A new Private Investigators and security Agencies act (Bill 15) will expand the scope of licensed security to include an estimated 5,000 previously unlicensed security workers, including door staff, body guards ,etc.

Military Aerial Surveillance of Vancouver
On January 6, 2008, a large grey plane flew over downtown Vancouver, attracting public attention due to its frequent fly-overs and low altitude. The next day it was reported that the plane, the size of a small commercial airliner, was a CP-140 Aurora used by the Canadian Forces for aerial surveillance, electronic warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. The plane was conducting aerial surveillance & mapping of 2010 Olympic venues. CP-140s are based at CFB Comox on Vancouver Island.

RCMP Seek Suppliers for 40 km of Security Fencing
In mid-January 2008, the RCMP announced it was seeking a company to “supply 40 km of electronically monitored security fencing around 25 Olympic venues” “Mounties looking for bidders to supply security fencing,” Vancouver Sun, January 17, 2008).
The fencing is intended for competition venues, media centers, and athlete’s villages. The fencing, using ‘perimeter intrusion-detection systems’ have been used before by the RCMP for major events in the past, and include sensors and video cameras. RCMP Superintendent Brent Boxham said the “system will be installed in the last few days before the Games open on Feb. 12, 2010.”

CSIS Reports on Potential Violence at Anti-2010 Protests
In January 2008, reporter Jim Bronskill received a heavily-censored version of a CSIS annual report, dated July 25, 2006, that highlighted the potential for violence at anti-Olympic protests and the agencies monitoring of anti-2010 organizers. In a widely publicized news article, Bronskill reported that,
“An array of activists, from aboriginal groups to anti-poverty fighters, oppose the Winter Games, fearing the impact of the mega-event on Vancouver’s poor, the environment, and the BC balance sheet.
“CSIS spokeswoman Manon Berube said the service’s mandate for the Winter Olympics is to assist law-enforcement and intelligence partners in ensuring the Games are incident-free… She said the intelligence service would work with the RCMP and other federal agencies to help the Canadian Olympic Committee ‘in evaluating and monitoring threats to Canadians and Canadian interests in relation to the 2010 Olympics.’”
(“CSIS monitoring risk of violence at Olympics,” Jim Bronskill, Globe & Mail, January 21, 2008)

CSIS is the Canadian Security & Intelligence Service, responsible for domestic & international intelligence gathering. The report and media coverage is seen by anti-2010 organizers as an example of fear-mongering and intimidation of anti-Olympic resistance, a technique that is expected to increase as 2010 nears. It also justifies the massive security operation to be launched for 2010.

Sources

Fair Play for Housing Rights; Olympic Games & Housing Rights, Centre on Housing Rights & Evictions, Geneva, Switzerland 2007, www.cohre.org

Inside the Olympic Industry; Power, Politics and Activism, by Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, State University of New York Press, Albany NY 2000

The Best Olympics Ever? Social Impacts of Sydney 2000, by Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, State University of New York Press, Albany NY 2002