The Met Police’s torch security team demonstrated some of the tactics they will use to protect the Olympic Flame to the Crime and Security Minister, James Brockenshire. The team, which is drawn entirely from Met officers, simulated the convoy of vehicles and the torch bearer which millions of spectators will see across the UK at their training session held at the Peel Centre in Hendon.
Officers showed the minister and media how they would intervene if someone tried to get to the torch bearer or stage a protest and some of the tactical options they will use depending on where they are running.
Commander Bob Broadhurst and who will be London’s Gold Commander for the Olympic and Paralympic Games said: “”We will be as tough and robust as we need to be. Officers will use their powers under the law to protect the individual carrying the torch. Key to the policing plan which they will help to deliver will be ensuring that the torch and the torchbearer takes centre stage during its journey through the UK.”
Five core protection teams totalling 36 officers have been selected. As well as providing security and protection to the flame and the torchbearers, these officers will also be on rotation for support and reconnaissance work while others are on rest days. During the Relay, they will travel on a variety of modes of transport, depending on how the flame is being transported. A number of other Met officers will be part of the wider team delivering the operation. This includes planners, who are liaising with police forces around the country who will deliver the local policing operations; motorcycle officers to help with the safe passage of the torch on the road; and officers who will command and control the operation. In total, about 70 officers make up the full torch team, with up to 52 officers travelling with the relay at any time.
