UK police officers to support Paris Olympics security operation

The announcement comes as the UK and France celebrated the 120th anniversary of their historic Entente Cordiale agreement earlier this month, marking more than a century of the Franco-British friendship.

Around 35,000 police and gendarmes are expected to be mobilised each day during the Games, with a peak of 45,000 expected for the opening ceremony.

The exact number of UK officers is still to be confirmed and the deployment will also include volunteer special constables, said the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

The UK officers will help French law enforcement with a range of liaison and engagement roles, as well as specialist search dogs and their handlers assisting with venue security. The NPCC says their involvement will “enhance the security and safety” of UK visitors, and the Games as a whole.

With just 100 days until the start of the Games, almost half a million tickets have been snapped up so far in the UK, and scores of British people are expected to cross the Channel for the eight-week event.

The UK element of this operation is coordinated by specialist officers from the National Police Coordination Centre and is supported by the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Ministry of Defence, Counter Terrorism Policing UK and a range of other partners.

At home, police forces will also be working with local partners to help support Olympic and Paralympic events and fan zones at a range of locations.

The UK’s offer of support to France is the latest in a long-standing policing and security relationship, with policing bodies between the two countries regularly sharing intelligence and learning across a range of security and public safety matters.

UK policing has also shared the expertise it gained from hosting major security and sporting events, such as the London Olympics and Birmingham Commonwealth Games, as well as more routine deployments to international and European football matches.

Leading the UK policing response is T/Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the NPCC lead for sporting and planned events.

He said: “The Paris Olympics is shaping up to be an incredible event and I am delighted officers from across the UK can play a key role in helping to make it a success.

“An event of this size and scale requires an enormous French policing operation and we are proud to offer our assistance. It gives us the chance to demonstrate the value we bring to the security and safety of the Games and also show the expertise of UK policing on an international stage. I know the benefits of this international policing approach will be something our communities can benefit from for years to come.

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for our officers and staff, who can hone their skills, learn from international colleagues and ultimately play a key role in keeping the public safe at an iconic sporting event.”

He added: “I hope our presence will be reassuring and familiar for the droves of UK citizens travelling to France.”

Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “I am pleased to offer this package of support to France for the Paris Olympics, which will build on our historic relationship.

“After close collaboration between the UK and France at recent major sporting events, including London 2012, our offer will advance on years of security cooperation.

“Our police officers will provide valued experience and expertise to assist in keeping this iconic event safe for everyone attending.”

Minister of the Interior of France, Gérald Darmanin, added: “France and the UK have a long tradition of police cooperation, particularly for the organization of major events. In 2012, France provided assistance from its law enforcement agencies to secure the Olympic Games in London.

“This summer, in Paris, we’ll be delighted to be able to count on the support of our British friends for this great sporting event, which will attract many spectators from across the Channel.”