Olympics brings uncompromising security to Vancouver

The design for the 2010 Olympics security includes hundreds of closed circuit surveillance cameras for downtown Vancouver. Over 900 cameras will be activated to watch the crowds during the games from the security forces which are being put together to watch for criminal activity and medical emergencies. This will also provide a means to watch traffic and hopefully be able to control traffic problems that may occur. This is all part of the plans put together by bigwigs, the city of Vancouver, and security forces and teams of local law enforcement officials. This is part of the major security effort to protect the crowds, the athletes, visitors, and as a prevention tool for any possible trouble.

Over 100 cameras have been installed for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics Security system at the two main party sites in downtown Vancouver. Cameras have also been placed at the pedestrian malls that have been set up for the Olympic games while they are in town. The cameras have all been rented and are scheduled to be taken down after the 2010 games are completed and the Paralympic Games have concluded in March. All cameras were activated starting February 1. This will provide some extra time for authorities to utilize the closed circuit system before the real crowds arrive for the games.

All of this business of closed circuit cameras on the street corners has caused something of a debate in the city between activist groups and the city government. It is not clear whether the cameras will be taken down after the end date. The city government wants more dialogue on the subject of leaving the cameras in place on a more permanent basis. Of course the B.C. Civil Liberties Association and the Surveillance Studies Centre has indicated the social and democratic impact of mass surveillance must be considered before any such action takes place. The city government has countered by saying that the pros and the cons of the situation will be looked at carefully.

The debate will surely continue for a long time from both sides of the issue. In the meantime, with so much on the line the Vancouver 2010 Olympics security system, including CCTV on the roads will be up and ready to go. It will be interesting to see how successful this new security approach will be and what the final analysis will provide to those in law enforcement.