ESSEX Police have a dedicated team who are already planning how to help police the 2012 Olympic Games.

The estimated cost to Essex Police for the planning, preparation and operational activity throughout the Games is an estimated £16.8million, as officers manage the sheer number of people who will descend on the county for the global sports event.

Essex has been described as the “Gateway to the Games”, thanks to key transport links over road, rail, air and water.

It means careful planning by the police to avoid potential problems, as each venue is assessed for the level of threat against it.

The taskforce will cost £202,210 for staff, officers and expenses, until April next year.

Insp Mark Harman, project manager for the Olympics within Essex Police, explained why it is important to start planning now.

He said: “As an event host, we are working closely with the Metropolitan Police, as well as our security partners, to ensure a co-ordinated, organised and successful approach to policing the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games.

“As one of the host forces, officers from Essex Police will be seconded to the Olympic Security Directorate, which will plan a safe and secure games.

“However, residents in the county can be reassured this will not be to the detriment of their neighbourhood policing team.

“The force’s reputation for successful major operations will ensure Essex plays a high-profile role in the run-up to, and during the event.”

Detailed business cases, submitted to the Home Office, total £3.3million, with a further £2million sought for road policing and marine unit.

A formal announcement about Hadleigh Castle hosting the mountain bike event is yet to be made, but if approved it will take place in the final weekend of the Games, which runs from July 27 to September 9.

The site will hold 3,000 spectators, but will be an open venue. A similar event at Manchester 2002, attracted 40,000 people.

Tilbury Port and Stansted Airport will take key freight shipments during construction and the actual Games.

Essex Police has responsibility for policing the River Thames, from just east at the Thames Barrier, out to the 12-mile limit.

The Slalom Canoe event will be held at Waltham Cross, adjacent to the Essex border and Essex Police are working Hertfordshire Police to plan security and policing of the site.