November 3, 2009
For immediate distribution
Contemporary Security Canada announces milestone in 2010 Winter Games security readiness
Vancouver, BC—With over 90 percent of security screening staff hired for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Contemporary Security Canada (CSC) ULC’s comprehensive Games Security Screening (GSS) training program is now fully operational.
“Over the next three months, our security staff will attend a total of 14,000 training sessions in preparation for the 2010 Winter Games,” said Todd Severson, Project Director. “Our comprehensive GSS training program, developed in consultation with the RCMP, will deliver highly‐trained security professionals with the skills and knowledge required for a safe and enjoyable Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Security staff will undergo four levels of CSC training, including:
- GSS Orientation;
- Job Specific Training;
- Large Scale Simulation; and,
- Venue Familiarization Training.
Approximately 30 percent of CSC’s security staff have begun and are nearing completion of the first two phases of training. The Large Scale Simulation will take place in early 2010 and will involve multiple exercises to further train staff in their Games‐time roles. The Venue Familiarization Training is the final training step to orient security staff in venue‐specific requirements.
All CSC security staff are required to successfully complete the RCMP‐approved training program, in order to work in their Games‐time roles. During the Games, CSC staff will work under the direction of the RCMP lead Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit.
CSC was selected by Public Works and Government Services Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to provide pedestrian security screening services for the 2010 Winter Games.
Security by the numbers
14,364 training sessions
11,236 applications received for security positions
5,000 security staff required, including a mix of men, women, francophones, First Nations, students, experienced security staff, retired police/ fire/ military
3,000 security staff hired in British Columbia
1,500 security staff hired in Saskatoon, Regina, Ottawa, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, Calgary, Edmonton
1,000 security staff hired in the first month of recruitment
453 record number of applicants received in one day
312 the most candidates hired in one day
30 percent of CSC security staff have begun training
10 percent, CSC staff as percentage of the overall Olympic Games workforce
7 – 4, number of training courses attended by an employee (varies by position)
5 training locations (Vancouver, Whistler, Calgary, Regina and Ottawa)
3 months to 4 weeks, duration of positions
‐30‐
For CSC media inquiries contact:
Kate Best at 604‐862‐2280 or kbest@national.ca
For more information about Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games security, contact the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit, Public Affairs Unit, media phone line at 604‐247‐8600.
