RCMP Statement on 2010 Security, Privacy & Civil Liberties

Police propaganda on how 'fair and responsible' the 2010 Police State will be... The statement was apparently motivated by recent media coverage (ie, civil liberties, CCTV surveillance cameras, and police repression of anti-Olympic activists) that made the 2010 Police State look like... a Police State.

File #2009-ISU 2009-02-04 10:05 PST VANCOUVER: The RCMP-led Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (ISU) was established in 2003 and is responsible
for the planning and implementation of security for the 2010 Olympic and
Paralympic Winter Games.

The V2010 Integrated Security Unit (ISU) is working with the host
municipalities and police forces of jurisdiction in the development of
security plans during the 2010 Winter Games. The V2010 ISU and our law
enforcement partners are continuing to work within existing principles and
practices in the areas of privacy and civil liberties. The Privacy Act of Canada governs all work done by Federal Government institutions inside the V2010 ISU. Although security planning for the 2010 Winter Games is a vast undertaking, it is business as usual for security planners.

Security planning for the 2010 Winter Games respects Canadian laws and
values. In relation to personal information, the V2010 Integrated Security
Unit follows the "Code of Fair Information Practices" that is reflected in the Privacy Act of Canada and similar principles in BC's provincial legislation.

The Code of Fair Information Practices requires the V2010 Integrated
Security Unit to:

collect only the personal information that is necessary for security planning and operational policing duties;

use it only for the original purpose for collection or other purposes permitted by the Privacy Act;

disclose it only to those with an "operational need to know"; store it securely;

retain it only as long as required for security planning and operational policing duties; and,

dispose of it securely at its authorized disposal date.

With respect to Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, the V2010 Integrated Security Unit has put out a Request for Proposals (RFP), as required by Government of Canada procurement guidelines, for physical security equipment. This includes but is not limited to, perimeter intrusion detection systems, CCTV and other technical solutions designed to protect the integrity of Olympic venues and sites. At this time, our physical security procurements are, for the most part, service agreements. The primary role of CCTV is to enhance public safety, allow the collection of "best evidence", reduce the impact of crime on victims and act as a general deterrent to crime. CCTV has been a standard security feature of Olympic Games for many years. CCTV is used in support of community goals of enhanced public and police officer safety, crime detection and prevention. The RCMP will have appropriate guidelines in place for the collection, use, disclosure, retention and disposal of video images recorded during the 2010 Winter Games.

Disposal of the security equipment after the Games will comply with the Memorandum of Agreement between the Province of British Columbia and the
Government of Canada:

Section 3.03: "The parties agree that assets acquired for policing and security operations and services that are funded under this Agreement will be divided on an equal basis between them in accordance with the plan established by the Security Committee."

The V2010 Integrated Security Unit and our law enforcement partners within
the police forces of jurisdiction will continue to protect the rights of Canadians to voice their opinions using lawful methods and activities, while protecting the public's right to attend the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in peace and safety, without disruption.

The V2010 ISU is guided by the recommendations in the Hughes Report (APEC
1997) that "a generous opportunity will be afforded for peaceful protests to
see and be seen in their protest activities by guests to the event".

We recognize that lawful advocacy, protest and dissent using legal methods
are not matters for police concern. However, violent or criminal acts that
interfere with the rights and freedoms of law-abiding Canadians and visitors
may result in police investigations and criminal prosecutions. Where possible, security planners will examine opportunities for visible areas in which people can express dissenting views lawfully in safe locations outside Olympic venues.

There is no intention to restrict lawful advocacy, protest and dissent to designated protest zones. Protesters outside Olympic venues must obey Federal / Provincial / Municipal legislation including traffic restrictions, private property restrictions, and public safety, but otherwise may express their views wherever they wish.

We want to emphasize that security planning is an ongoing process. Our
planners will continue to work with our partners and adjust the plans throughout 2009 to ensure security is both comprehensive and appropriate
across the competition and non-competition venues and within the urban
domain.

Released by
V2010 Integrated Security Unit - Public Affairs
Phone: (604) 247-8600

Valerie Lawton
Senior Communications Advisor /
Conseillère principale en communications
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Commissariat à la protection de la vie privée