Business as usual for police during Games operation

Over the course of the games, some officers in the East Dunbartonshire command area will be occasionally seconded to help with the security arrangements at in Glasgow.

And although the games won’t officially begin until July 23, police preparations are already under way with the athletes village currently in lock down.

Earlier this year, it was announced that there would be a prohibition on all police leave from July 6 to August 5 to make sure there would be adequate resources to handle the event.

And in order to cope with the demanding nature of the operation, senior officers would have to call up resources from other divisions across the country.

As a result, concerns had been raised about whether local towns would have enough officers to police their respective areas.

Chief Inspector Rob Hay, area commander for East Dunbartonshire, admitted that the games will place added demands on his staff, as well as on all other divisions across the country. However, he insists that while a number of his officers will be asked to supplement the security team, there is to be no adverse impact on local policing.

He said: “The Commonwealth Games will place significant demand on police resources across the country.

“At a local level, our officers will be required to assist 
with Commonwealth Games duties at various times throughout the course of the games.

“Our requirement to deliver ‘business as usual’ at a local level remains unchanged and has been considered as part of the planning process.”

The strategy to police the games - named Operation Servator - is the single biggest security task Police Scotland has undertaken.

Furthermore, it is thought that it will cost around £90 million to the public purse.

Grace Irvine, director of neighbourhood services, said: “There has been a significant amount of planning and preparation by all public bodies to ensure that the games run as smoothly as possible and that normal services are maintained throughout their duration.

“As always we will continue to work closely with Police Scotland and all our community planning partners across East Dunbartonshire during the games and beyond.”