RCMP seek input on providing culturally sensitive security during 2010 Games
By Charlie Smith - Publish Date: July 19, 2009
Olympic security officials have approached a local multicultural organization for help in providing culturally sensitive security during the 2010 Games.
On behalf of Sukhvinder Vinning, vice president of the Multifaith Action Society, former Vancouver city councillor Nancy Chiavario has sent an e-mail announcing an opportunity for people to discuss issues pertinent to their faiths with an RCMP officer.
The objective is to enhance the understanding of security screeners at Olympic venues.
Anyone who wishes to convey information on this topic will have an opportunity to speak to an RCMP officer on Wednesday (July 22) at 2:30 p.m. at the Guildford library branch at 15105 105th Avenue in Surrey.
The RCMP meeting with people of different faiths comes shortly after two legal experts claimed that the 2010 Integrated Security Unit's plans would be illegal in the absence of new legislation. For more information, see this article, which appeared in the July 16-23 print edition of the Georgia Straight.
Vinning's letter appears below:
Hello Everyone.
As many of you are aware, with the 2010 Olympics fast approaching, the RCMP is currently developing security protocols for all Olympic venues. The security setup for these venues will be very similar to the security screening at airports.
The 2010 Integrated Security Unit for the Olympics has approached the Multifaith Action Society (MAS) to assist them in understanding cultural and religious sensitivities that security screeners need to be aware of as they screen the public attending the Olympic venues.
To address this, the Multifaith Action Society is hosting a meeting on July 22nd at 2:30 pm where members of faith communities can meet directly with an RCMP officer and discuss issues that are pertinent to their particular faith or culture. The meeting will be held at the Guildford Public Library at 15105 105th Ave, Surrey, BC.
If you are interested in participating in this meeting and can attend, please let me know via email or cel phone. Sukhvinder can be reached at 604-338-1299; or leave a message at Multifaith Action Society 604-321-1302.
Thanks.
Sukhvinder Vinning, VP MAS
http://www.straight.com/article-241307/rcmp-seek-input-providing-cultura...
