Members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department are joining officers from around the world supporting law enforcement efforts at the Paris Summer Olympics.
The department said 28 LASD personnel are in France to serve as a resource for American citizens and athletes visiting and competing in the Games, and to assist sheriff's deputies in preparing to host the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The sheriff’s delegation is comprised of “several specialized units,” including patrol and canine units, the department said in a statement. “This diverse group is poised to gain invaluable experience and knowledge that will enhance our capabilities for the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles.”
Team members will observe best practices for maintaining security at an international event and engage in discussions about public safety strategies with police officials from other countries, the department said.
Members of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department in Paris for the 2024 Olympics.
(Las Vegas District)
“Our goal is to provide the highest level of public safety to the Los Angeles County community when the Olympic Games come to our city.”
The Los Angeles Police Department is also sending a group of reserve officers to Paris to work at event venues across the country, under the supervision of the French national police and the Gendarmerie, according to police documents reviewed by The Times.
France will cover the officers' airfare and accommodation, but not their meals, the documents say.
The French government has temporarily suspended its law against the presence of armed foreign police officers in the country, the LAPD said.
The delegation of officers will provide additional protection during expected visits by Los Angeles political leaders, including Mayor Karen Bass, to the Games.
At a briefing late last month, Paris police chief Laurent Nunez announced plans to deploy around 30,000 police officers each day, including armed police, with a maximum of 45,000 for the opening ceremony on the Seine, which involved boats and huge crowds watching from the embankments.
According to Núñez, dozens of agents will come from departments in other countries, to which some 25,000 private security guards will be added.
Times staff writer Libor Jany contributed to this report.
