PW_4_2024

Professional Development

Walking In Shoes Navigating New Waters: Providing Security for Team GB Sailing in Marseille By Emma-Jane Dallison When I was seconded from the Metropolitan Police to provide security support for Team GB Sailing for the Olympics in Marseille, I knew it would be an exciting but challenging assignment. W hile I am bilingual and bicultural, English and French , Marseille was unfamiliar territory for me. My only previous short visit to the city had been in 2001 and, as I prepared for the role, I quickly realized that understanding the nuances of Marseille’s unique environment would be crucial to ensuring the safety of our athletes. Meeting these police officers abroad, particularly through the IPA, was like stepping into a completely new world of camaraderie and understanding. My previous experiences with police in France had been as a civilian and had not always been entirely positive. However, engaging directly with local officers through the IPA helped to break down those old perceptions. I found myself sitting down with colleagues, sharing stories, and realising that, despite my past reservations, these officers were just as dedicated to keeping people safe as I was.

Recognising the importance of building strong local connections before my arrival, I turned to the International Police Association’s (IPA) vast network of law enforcement professionals around the world. Through the association, I was able to establish contacts in Marseille well in advance of my deployment. One of the most significant connections was with the President of the IPA’s Marseille branch, who was also involved in the local security for the Olympics and provided essential insights into what I might expect.

Upon arrival in Marseille, I quickly realized that my role would extend beyond just overseeing traditional security measures. Networking with Paris 2024 volunteers, private security teams, and local police & military forces became an essential part of my daily routine. Their insights allowed me to quickly

POLICE WORLD Vol 69 No.4, 2024

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