Olympic cops to get counselling after Games duties

June 03, 2011 05:25 pm | Updated 05:25 pm IST - LONDON

It sounds like a plum assignment - Forget your regular duties for 70 days and travel throughout Britain with the Olympic torch in the run—up to the 2012 London Games.

But Scotland Yard officers hand—picked for the once—in—a—lifetime assignment will receive psychological counselling afterward, police officials said in a statement Friday.

The officers will consult with psychologists, doctors and physiotherapists in a series of debriefings to help them cope with the readjustment back to their normal lives and mundane regular duties, officials said.

“Mindful of the fact that officers will be taken away from their homes for 70 days and encouraged to live as part of a team, their reintegration ... after the event is already being carefully planned,” Scotland Yard said. “The welfare of our staff is of paramount importance.”

Occupational health specialists “are already developing plans to ensure that the welfare of this team is considered at every stage and the best possible support provided,” police said.

The preparation of the 28 officers - plus eight in reserve who will be ready to step up in case of injury or illness - will also include a chance to discuss their career aspirations and their plans for managing their time away from home during the 70 days on torch duty.

They are charged with protecting the torch from fanatics and extremists during its 8,000—mile journey throughout much of the United Kingdom. The route will take them through major cities and remote areas and to Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, and Jersey.

The officers will also be expected to be in good enough physical condition to run alongside the torchbearers when necessary.

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