Intelligence officers that approach and question anti-Olympics critics play a vital but thankless role, the head of 2010 Games security forces suggested today.
“I hope you’d agree with me they’re in a tough spot,” RCMP Assistant Commissioner Bud Mercer told reporters. “If they approach people at home, that’s construed to be wrong. If they approach them on the street, that’s construed to be harassment. If they phone them, it’s ‘how did they get the phone number?’ If they do it at work, ‘that’s not fair.’”
Last week, the Tyee reported that intelligence officers with the RCMP-led Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (ISU) approached a student friend of vocal Olympics critic Chris Shaw.
The controversy gained momentum when New Democratic Party Attorney General critic Leonard Krog criticized the visit in the legislature.
The $900 million ISU has been accused of visiting dozens of activists – and their acquaintances – critical of the Games.
Mercer stressed these visits help gather information about possible Olympics threats. And he said there’s always a reason for approaching a specific person.
“[Intelligence officers] don’t wake up in the morning, check a phone book and flip the pages blind fold and pick a few names and decide those are the people we’re going to talk to today,” he said.
In some cases, officers decided certain people weren’t a threat to the Games after talking with them, Mercer said.
But it’s essential security forces assess all risks – because the ISU has information that a small group of people intend to wage criminal or violent protests, he added.
Mercer’s remarks came while briefing reporters on a large-scale security exercise that runs Oct 19-23. Pegasus Guardian 3/Spartan Rings will test the preparedness of police and Canadian Forces for a wide range of potential threats.
Mercer said he doesn’t know what kind of training scenarios will be hoisted on the ISU next week. But he made reference to the fatal 1996 bombing at the Atlanta Olympics and the kidnapping of Israeli athletes during the 1972 Munich Games.
He also confirmed criminal protests, which could include vandalism, assault and trespassing, will be part of the exercise.
Geoff Dembicki reports for the Tyee.
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mcccarthy
2 years ago
and all for one
All Vancouver citizens should get themselves on anti olympic committees and groups as a form of protest of the harassment of law abiding citizens.
Dr Alexander
2 years ago
"question anti-Olympics critics play a vital.." What Crap!
No, questioning critics is completely useless and a waste of everyones time. Those engaged in such activity might as well spend their whole day eating doughnuts in Tim Horton's as that is about all they are going to accomplish.
Critics and activists are completely within their right to criticize and demonstrate.
Now, if there are people who engage in threats, vandalism and destruction of property, they are troublemakers. The police and "intelligence officers" should go after them and I expect them to.
Do not equate Charter-guaranteed criticism and freedom of expression of dissatisfaction with criminal activity.
Unless, you believe that people who are against the Olympics are criminals. If you do, then you are in the wrong country.
circle A
2 years ago
Intelligence officers?
I must be missing something!
OilbertaRedTory
2 years ago
Calling Vancouver Village ...
... we found your oxymoron.
G West
2 years ago
Buddy Boy says
“If they approach people at home, that’s construed to be wrong. If they approach them on the street, that’s construed to be harassment. If they phone them, it’s ‘how did they get the phone number?’ If they do it at work, ‘that’s not fair.’”
What's FAIR is that the police should actually do some 'real' police work - questioning 'anyone' without some evidence that they are, or are likely to, engage in some kind of illegal activity is not reasonable in a pluralist democracy that is not in a state of war.
Please, don't ask for sympathy Bud, you don't merit it. There's nothing 'vital' to that role unless this is a police state.
If you don't like it, resign and get an honest job.
DPL
2 years ago
I for one am against the
I for one am against the idea of all the taxpayers money going into the circus. Some companies willbe rich, the rest of us simply don't count. This whole thing has escalated to the area of stupidity. Should the horsemen want to chat, I'm right here in front of my computer. No need to break down the door, I'll leave it unlocked if I see some guys coming this way dragging their knuckles on the sidewalk. Only six months till it all goes away except the bills. The right to complain was a hard fought right, and these jokers arn't about to remove that right. Where can I get a window sign saying I hate the 2010 Olympics