Olympic Experiences with Paul
Paul gave us his perspective based on his experiences in helping to provide the security for the Olympic games.
A little over a year ago, they asked police officers if they wanted to be involved. Paul is in his 29th year of service, he was very comfortable and he was unsure if he wanted to be part of the Olympic detail. Paul applied and he was one of 34 Delta police officers selected. In the end, Paul was assigned to work downtown Vancouver. He was very pleased, only four Delta officers were selected to work Vancouver. He thought all was falling into place, he lives downtown and figured he could just walk to work every day. It turns out that all officers were assigned to live on one of the three cruise ships. He ended up on the Holland America Oosterdam. Paul is not fond of cruise ships and what does he get, a month on a cruise ship that never leaves the dock. There was a mix of RCMP officers, military police plus many police officers from various municipal forces. There were many issues regarding their guns and ammunition. Several issues with the facilities on the cruise ship, no hot water, then no cold water.
But overall, it was a great experience made special by meeting many law enforcement people from all over the country and people from all over the world. Some officers, Paul had not seen for over twenty years. It was great sharing time and stories with each other. Paul was assigned to the Richmond Oval primarily. Then his group was assigned downtown.
Paul has experienced many downtown & west end events like the fireworks with up to 400,000 persons. Paul has been in many unsafe situations and he has seen it all, nothing surprises him. Police officers are typically targets and are not always the best liked. Paul was in middle of the sea of people when Canada played Russia. It was amazing to be out on the street with people surrounding him. At no time, being surrounded by thousands of people, did Paul feel unsafe. To have this experience was amazing, people coming up and hugging him, people thanking him for being there, for making it safe. It is an experience Paul will always have and cherish. Paul was told by several people that have attended numerous Olympics that these games will go down as one of the best for being so "uneventful" from a security standpoint.