Strict security measures surrounding torch relay
Posted January 22, 2010 4:38 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Don’t even think about getting too close to the Olympic torch as it gets closer to Vancouver, there are very strict security measures will be in place.
The Olympic Integrated Security Unit says they’ll have zero tolerance when it comes to getting too close to the torch and its carrier. They say not even the media will be allowed inside the security zone marked by police officers wearing black track suits.
Corporal Jen Allan from the Security Unit explains what they’ve learned so far on the cross Canada trek. “Certainly if there are any lessons to be learned, is that we should expect much larger crowds. They’ve been enthusiastic crowds so far and that’s certainly been a positive for our Olympic torch security team.”
Allan says they know there will be protests as the flame gets nearer to Vancouver and police are ready to deal with them if they threaten the torch. The Security Unit also keeps in close contact with local police so they know who is likely to cause trouble.
Organizers say Aboriginal runners accompanying the torch will have black track suits too but will also be wearing grey scarves with blue designs draped across their backs so you can tell them apart from the cops.
Spectators are also reminded to give the torch a clear path or police will be forced to move you. Security briefings are usually held two days before the torch’s arrival in a community so people know about the rules surrounding the flame well in advance.
The torch will spend Friday night in Cranbrook before making its way to Creston. News1130 is the official radio station of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
