Hundreds of police officers drafted in to protect the
2012 Olympic Games could be stationed on a cruise ship at Portland
Harbour.
[lynnnews.co.uk] Organisers are discussing plans to
spend up to £6.6 million mooring a private boat at Portland Harbour for
the sporting extravaganza.The 432-room vessel could be filled by around 800 officers working to protect competitors in the Weymouth sailing events.
But
officials are split over the proposal because they fear officers may
misbehave and a public backlash against the use of a holiday vessel.When
Canadian police chiefs brought in three cruise liners for the Vancouver
Winter Games they saw a spike in complaints of misconduct.There
was a spate of allegations of drunkenness, unwanted sexual advances and
mislaid guns among the thousands of officers stationed on board.
Large-scale
events such as the 2009 London G20 meeting and 2005 Gleneagles G8
summit have led to similar increases in misconduct allegations.
One
source said Dorset police leaders preferred floating accommodation
because it was relatively cheap and would be on the doorstep of the
events.
He said: "Extensive research has identified the use of an
accommodation vessel to be the most cost-effective solution, as was the
case in Vancouver."
Last month there was anger among Portland
residents when it was announced athletes would stay on housing built on a
sports field instead of a boat.
Source: http://www.lynnnews.co.uk/news/national/olympic_police_could_use_cruise_ship_accommodation_1_795862
