Lack of major criminal activity was testament to policing operation and dedication of officers

The National Olympic Security Co-Ordinator has praised the committed officers who helped deliver the “largest peacetime policing operation” in history.

AC Chris Allison (pictured) of the Metropolitan Police said a debrief was now taking place with points of learning taken on board. But he said no major problems with the op had been identified so far.

AC Allison appeared before the Home Affairs Select Committee with Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe.

He said: “We are doing a debriefing and that will take a bit of time – but there have been no major issues (so far)’.

“People on mutual aid said they found the arrangements worked really well and they had a very good time.”

AC Allison told the committee that 14,500 officers had been taken out of day-to-day policing to work at the games. Extra provision needed to make up for lack of G4S security guards was mainly provided by the military – but extra officers were supplied to backfill posts at the five football stadiums.

He said the Police Service had received a letter from the Home Office guaranteeing “reasonable additional costs required” would be met as aresult of extra provision.

AC Allison also said that police technology had proved reliable throughout the events.

He added: “The airwave system stood up to everything that was required of it.

“At one point we had a challenge with the Command and Control suite due to a pipe breaking. We immediately went to the fall back site which worked smoothly without any issue – and within 36 hours we were back at the original site.

“I am not saying everything is perfect but we have to say there is not going to be anything as big as the Olympics again for us.”

Forces all over the UK took part in supplying officers for Olympic security in and around the venues. An overtime arrangement was implemented to ensure regular policing could still be carried out in communities.

AC Allison added: “This summer our officers have played their part in ensuring nothing overshadowed the Olympic or Paralympic Games and the athletes.”