VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Preparing to go to an Olympic event will take more than remembering your ticket. We're looking at what security measures you can expect as a spectator heading to venues.
"We're not there to impede people's experience coming to venues or enjoying the Olympics, we're there to secure the venue." That's from Sgt. Michel Cote with the Integrated Security Unit who tells us to expect some long waits, "The security measures in place at the different venues will resemble the security measures that are in place at an airport. We're conscious that people will arrive in advance and we recommend that."
In fact, the suggestion is to arrive two hours in advance for indoor events and three hours for those on the mountains.
Cote adds just like carry-on restrictions for planes, venues have carry-in restrictions, "The spectators will receive a handbook telling them what's allowed and what's not allowed but I think anything that you would expect to bring on an aircraft, is probably similar to what is allowed in the venue."
You might want to arrive early just to get to the venue. Extensive security perimeters mean there will be no parking anywhere close by, forcing spectators to walk or take transit.
As well, the Vancouver Sun is reporting the Canadian Forces are ready to shoot down planes that violate airspace-security restrictions during the Games. But it is a graduated response where the worst-case scenario would be defending areas with lethal force.
This is the largest security operation in Canada, ever. Cote says measures will mostly be in place by the end of this month.
Mark LaLonde with security company Canpro Global says the coming Olympics have led to a boom for his industry in Western Canada, "Everything from brand new guard companies popping up sprouting up to needs for various levels of security drivers, protection officers, surveillance operatives..."
He adds Campro staff will be watching some high-profile sites and clients.