Olympics 'testing' for officers in West Midlands region

The Olympics will be a "testing" time for West Midlands police forces with more than 1,400 officers deployed elsewhere, the Police Federation said.

In total, 1,404 officers from the four forces will help police London and Dorset during the 100 days of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, warned forces could be put under pressure.

But the forces said they were prepared and policing would not be affected.

Specialist teams, including armed police and dog units, are among officers who will help cover Olympic and Paralympic events in London and Dorset.

On any one day there could be as many as 700 Midlands officers working, or as few as eight, depending on operational needs.

West Midlands Police has allocated 828 officers over the 100 days, while West Mercia and Staffordshire police forces have each allocated 239 officers.

Meanwhile, Warwickshire Police has allocated 98 officers.

Steve Grange, from West Midlands Police Federation, believes it will put extra strain on officers back home, particularly if there was a major event such as a repeat of last summer's riots.

"Clearly there will be minimal levels of policing that will have to be maintained," he said.

"But the demands placed upon those officers dealing with that increased demand in relation to the Olympics and general policing - it's going to be very, very testing for them."

Senior police officers said they had been planning to cover the Games for more than a year.

Sharon Rowe, Assistant Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, said: "We are able to mobilise resources around the region very quickly.

"And of course the challenge of the riots last year applies to every city in the country and so nationally that's part of our consideration, especially in London.

"So we've shared the expertise and we've shared the planning and we are ready for whatever we are going to face."