Guns are banned at the 2010 Winter Olympics, unless you're a biathlon competitor, cop, soldier or a dignitary's bodyguard.

An International Olympic Committee protocol operations document obtained via Freedom of Information from the Premier's Office includes guidelines for protecting dignitaries.

The goals include outlining "entry arrangements at the venues" for dignitaries and bodyguards and detailing "accreditation and weapon permit requirements for the respective protective details."

It won't be the first time bodyguards have packed heat at a big global event in Vancouver.

The Protocol Coordination Committee (PCC) includes RCMP Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit Insp. Pete Koleyak, who had a similar role with the 1997 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

RCMP Sgt. Peter Montague testified in the APEC inquiry that Indonesian dictator Suharto's bodyguards received four gun permits.

Cpl. Bert Paquet of the V2010 ISU said: "security agents are not allowed to bring their own service weapons into Canada, however these requests are dealt on a case-by-case basis."

PCC minutes include a Nov. 20, 2008 presentation from IOC consultant Andreja Wieser, who advised "the scope of attendance at Torino was the most relevant to the Vancouver situation." Six royals or sovereigns, 22 heads of state, 13 heads of government and 50 sport ministers attended the 2006 Games.

VANOC is hosting 3,500 sport and IOC dignitaries.

The PCC is responsible for 1,600 dignitaries, including an estimated 35 internationally protected persons.

The Coal Harbour Community Centre will be closed Jan. 4 to March 31 to serve as the $341,000 protocol operations centre.

Wieser "hinted" that Vancouver could expect a large Russian contingent, including members of the Duma, or parliament.

"Past experience showed that some of these dignitaries would arrive without proper or any accreditation - these situations placed the organizing committee and its partners under a lot of pressure," said the minutes.

Dignitaries' bodyguards will apply for permits to carry guns.

Bob Mackin reports for 24 Hours.