Vancouver 2010 Security Head Is Stepping Down Amid Budget Uncertainties
16/08/2007 |
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Chief Supt. Bob Harriman, who has headed security for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games since its inception in 2003, is stepping down from his position to move “on to other career opportunities”, reports CTV British Columbia.
According to CTV the move comes amid continued budget uncertainties surrounding the security force.
CTV News reports that sources said Harriman’s departure was not entirely his own decision. Insiders said the move might have been influenced by a recent internal Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) audit of the security unit that could have revealed serious shortfalls of the Olympic security budget.
CTV British Columbia’s Mike Killeen said a confidential RCMP report two years ago made that determination. The document read, “numerous financial funding gaps and risks have been identified which will negatively impact security operations”.
According to the report the original $175 million budget did not account for communications equipment, metal detectors at venues, accreditation costs and security for the torch relay.
When asked Tuesday about the security budget David Emerson, the federal minister responsible for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, said he will be briefed on the file the coming weeks. He told reporters, “the only estimate I have is $175 million…I’ve been given no briefing or no indication that the numbers have changed substantially. (The cost figure) was established based on a normal security threat situation. As that threat escalates the costs will escalate. If the threat is less, I presume the costs could be less”.
CTV reports that military officials say ensuring safety at the Games will require the largest security operation in Canadian history.
(Source: Gamesbids.com)
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