Olympics police could find themselves afloat

Hundreds of police officers drafted in to protect the 2012 Olympic Games could be stationed on a cruise ship.

Organisers are discussing plans to spend as much as 6.6m mooring a private ship at Portland Harbour during the Games.

The 432-room vessel would be filled by about 800 officers protecting competitors in the Weymouth sailing events.

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But officials are split over the proposal because they fear officers may misbehave and spark a public backlash against the use of a holiday vessel.

When Canadian police chiefs brought in three cruise liners for the Vancouver Winter Games they saw a peak in complaints of misconduct – with more allegations of drunkenness, unwanted sexual advances and mislaid guns among the thousands of officers on board.

One source said Dorset police leaders preferred such accommodation because it was relatively cheap and convenient.