Police security jaunt to Beijing Olympics could cost £250,000

Their expertise will be an essential part of the Beijing Olympics.

But questions are being asked as to whether it is necessary for dozens of British police officers and officials to fly to the Chinese capital to review security at next month's Games.

At an estimated cost to the taxpayer of up to £250,000, the contingent are making the 12,000-mile round trip as part of preparations for the 2012 Olympics in London.

A separate party is also flying to China to examine security for the Paralympics, which follows the main event.

The Olympics contingent will include the Chief Constable of Dorset, Martin Baker, and three of his staff who are planning 'fact-finding, planning and liaison' at the Chinese sailing events.

Dorset Police will be in charge of security for the sailing competitions in Weymouth and Portland in 2012.

Some cost-conscious senior officers are not convinced of the need for such a large police expedition to China. With business-class flights, hotels and hospitality, they believe the bill will run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

One said: 'With this level of planning, you'd think there is an Al Qaeda plot to torpedo an American yacht off the Dorset coast.'

Dai Davies, former head of Scotland Yard's Royalty Protection Squad, said: 'In terms of the potential threats, you cannot make direct comparisons between Beijing and London. On this basis, the number of police officers flying out to China appears excessive.'

Officers will learn security measures for the London Olympic stadium

It is understood that police and security officials from Britain have already made a number of visits to China to aid their 'learning'.

They have also been to Athens and Sydney, previous Olympics hosts, to ensure that security is fully prepared for the 2012 event.

In addition to the Olympics 'police squad', dozens of personal protection officers are flying out to Beijing to protect VIPs due to attend the Games.

British counter terrorism officers will also assist the Chinese.

Originally, up to 60 police officers were due to travel to Beijing next month. But following a review by the Home Office, the figure has been cut by half.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: 'The fact-finding, planning and liaison visit to China in relation to the Beijing Olympics will be the only opportunity to see and experience the full scale of the logistical challenges that lie ahead for the 2012 Olympics.'

Because of uncertainty over the future of Scotland Yard Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, who is suing the force for racial discrimination, it is not clear who will be heading the Met delegation.

Mr Ghaffur is in dispute with the force after being allegedly sidelined from being in charge of Olympics security.

A spokesman for the Met's CO12 Olympic Security Directorate said: 'This is the only opportunity before London 2012 to witness an event of similar scale and challenges to our own Olympics first-hand.

'Team members are those involved in London 2012 security preparation who will benefit most from direct learning opportunities, such as venue commanders and operational planners.

'All have specific objectives for their visit.'

Representatives of government departments and agencies also form part of the team, including health fire brigade and other forces and agencies.

Yard detectives have dubbed the Beijing-bound officers the 'Smog Squad'  -  a reference to the polluted air in the Chinese capital.

For security reasons, the areas around the main Olympic sites in Beijing and the sailing venue 500 miles away in Qingdao, Shandong  -  one of the country's richest provinces  -  are now under near lock down.

Qingdao, on the east coast, is in some respects not unlike Weymouth with sandy beaches and docks. The street-crime level there, as in Beijing, is near zero.

The main crime threat is from corruption which permeates all levels of life.