CHIEF Inspector Gemma Morris is feeling ‘confident’ the county force is ready to handle to Olympic crowds while conducting ‘normal’ police duties in Dorset.

Chief Inspector Morris, who is responsible for services as usual in Weymouth and Portland, Dorchester, Sherborne and Bridport, says it will be ‘safety and security as usual’ for residents during the London 2012 sailing events.

She said: “We’ve been planning this for a considerable time with a lot of our partners, we’ve got comprehensive plans in place for all elements of operation.

“We’ve cancelled annual leave for officers and non-urgent meeting, we’ve also got officers coming in to assist from other forces.

“We’re going to be busy but an average Weymouth Carnival can attract 60,000 people so we’re used to dealing with that.

“This will just be over a longer period of time.

“As a force we’ve also got prior experience of party conferences in Bournemouth.”

She added: “Members of the public can help us by ensuring they don’t leave valuables in their cars and keep their cars locked.”

Chief Inspector Morris is also optimistic this week’s Olympic Torch Relay through Dorset ‘will be a family-friendly fun event’.

The county force and local National Health Service (NHS) have launched a ‘Stay safe and healthy during the 2012 Games’ campaign with leaflets offering advice on all aspects of safety, along with emergency numbers.

Find out more at safehealthygames.org.uk