Security of competition and non-competition venues is the major focus the security workforce. As such, a variety of techniques will be employed to maximize the safety of the athletes, coaches and spectators.

RCMP Constable John Hanson, specially trained in Fall Suppression, assists with the security sweep of the grandstand at the Whistler Sliding Centre prior to the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter GamesInside the Venue

Pedestrian screening areas

Anyone entering an Olympic or Paralympic venue will be subject to screening similar to that experienced at an airport. People will pass through a metal detector and all baggage including purses and knapsacks will be passed through a screening machine (same as used in airports) to monitor for prohibited items (e.g. weapons) that pose a risk to safety and security.

These areas will be staffed by specially trained private security personnel who will operate under the supervision of a police officer at the ratio of one police officer for every four private security personnel.

Vehicle screening areas

The vehicle screening areas are only applicable to vehicles preauthorized for entry into the venue’s security perimeter. For example, vehicles delivering goods that have been authorized in advance of the Games, will undergo screening by police prior to each entry into the venue.

This element of security will no affect the general public as there is no parking at any venues.

Kirpan guidelines for venue admission

To ease access to 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games events for those adhering to Sikh religious tenets, the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (V2010 ISU) has developed guidelines that enable the wearing of the kirpan as an article of faith for initiated or Amritdhari Sikhs.

The new guidelines were developed in consultation with representatives of the Sikh community to ensure those who carry the kirpan as part of their religious practice are able to attend Olympic and Paralympic events.

Maintaining the security and safety of Games venues, participants, personnel, and spectators is paramount. The new guidelines provide reasonable accommodation for religious freedoms as defined by Canadian laws and values, while clearly identifying the conditions under which the kirpan may be worn. Research conducted by the Integrated Security Unit indicates there are very few examples of a kirpan being used as a weapon ensuring it is reasonable to expect no additional risk at the venues.

To ensure the screening process runs smoothly, the new guidelines require anyone wearing a kirpan to inform security personnel prior to being screened at venues, and to meet the following stipulations:

  1. All articles of faith must be worn.
  2. The maximum TOTAL length of the kirpan, including the sheath may not exceed 7.5 inches with a blade of not more than four inches and a handle of two inches or less.
  3. The kirpan must be worn in keeping with Sikh traditions including being secured into its sheath, attached to a fabric belt and worn across the torso.
  4. The kirpan must be worn under clothing and not easily accessible.

If these stipulations are not met, the V2010 ISU reserves the right to refuse admittance.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

The Closed-Circuit television cameras being installed as part of the V2010 Integrated Security Unit efforts will be directed into the venues or around the immediate perimeter based on crowd levels expected.

CCTV cameras are part of the overall security framework that provides perimeter security for many of the Olympic and Paralympic competition and non-competition venues. They will be used in support of community goals of enhanced public and police officer safety, crime detection and prevention.

The primary role of CCTV is to enhance public safety, allow the collection of “best evidence,” reduce the impact of crime on victims, and act as a general deterrent to crime.

CCTV is used in support of community goals of enhanced public and officer safety, crime detection and prevention. Approximately 900 CCTV cameras will be installed at venues for the Winter Games with another 50-70 CCTV security cameras installed in the urban domain. The urban domain consists of areas where the public will gather outside a venue.

All cameras installed by V2010 ISU will be removed at the end of the Games as they are part of a service contract. A decision on post game use or disposition of cameras within the urban domain (non-venue use) is a public policy decision that falls within the jurisdiction of the City of Vancouver.

V2010 ISU has appropriate guidelines in place for the collection, use, disclosure, retention and disposal of video images recorded during the 2010 Winter Games. Please refer to the V2010 ISU Privacy Statement for more information

Accreditation

The 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Games have been designated as a “major event” by the Government of Canada. As a result, the RCMP is mandated to complete security background checks to enhance the security of the Olympic Games.

People with accreditation may have enhanced access to secure facilities, venues and athletes. The purpose of the security background check is to support the objective of a secure and safe Olympic Games.

It is expected than 100,000 individuals will require accreditation.

Anyone with enhanced access to secure zones within venues and facilities needs must be accredited. This includes athletes, media and coaches. For those people who are not residents of Canada, the V2010 ISU will work with its partners abroad to ensure necessary checks are done.

The V2010 ISU makes individual assessments about whether an individual could pose a risk to the Games. The Unit provides a simple yes or no to VANOC which then makes a decision on the issuance of the accreditation credentials.

For the 2010 Winter Games, police conducting background checks for accreditation will only have to enter data once to check a variety of security databases, and they will be able to automatically re-check people right up to the end of the Games. This improves overall safety for the Games participants, volunteers, visitors to our country and the public.

Personal privacy is protected at all times. Police personnel processing accreditation requests are the only ones who will view personal information. In addition, any personal data is highly controlled in an electronic environment. For example, even viewing the data would leave an electronic track. Privacy legislation requires that all personal data collected for security checks during the Games must be destroyed two years after the event concludes.

Outside the venue

Urban Domain

From a security perspective, the entire geographic region where the Games will be held is called the Olympic Theatre. Within this “theatre” the V2010 ISU is responsible for security only at designated competition and non-competition venues. The theatre area excluding the venues, is considered the Urban Domain.

For example, the area of the Richmond Oval and its immediate perimeter is the venue area and security responsibilities rest with V2010 ISU. Outside of this perimeter, is the Urban Domain. Policing responsibilities for this area remain with the local police of jurisdiction which in this case is the Richmond RCMP.

V2010 ISU has worked very closely with the various police agencies of jurisdiction in the Lower Mainland and in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor in planning for The Games.

While it will be busier than usual due to the influx of visitors, athletes and others from the Olympic family, it is business as usual for the various police agencies in the Vancouver and Sea-to-Sky Corridor.

Police of jurisdiction

If you would like information regarding planning/operations within the urban domain during The Games, please contact the appropriate agency below.