JET-SKI cops and police-run powerboats will be part of the security operation to cover the 50 square miles of the Olympic and Paralympic sailing waters.

Dorset Police, who are leading a multi-agency security team, have revealed more of their plans for making Weymouth and Portland waters safe during the London 2012 Games.

The force also announced that the 18,500-tonne Royal Navy ship HMS Bulwark will be arriving on Monday as part of a four-day security exercise ahead of the Olympics.

The amphibious assault warship will arrive 10 miles off Weymouth for a live exercise that will see Dorset Police working with the Royal Navy to test security arrangements and systems.

Residents are warned to expect to see increased activity in the Weymouth harbour area.

The ship will then return to Weymouth Bay in July to act as a logistics hub in support of police maritime security operations for the Olympic and Paralympic windsurfing and sailing events.

Dorset is the largest Olympic and Paralympic venue outside of London and hosts the only other full-time Olympic Village at Officers Field, Portland.

Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Whiting, who is leading the Games safety and security operation in Dorset, said: “This summer will see the ultimate celebration of sport and we are working with partners to ensure a safe and secure Games in Dorset.

“Our role includes supporting the organisers and athletes by ensuring the fields of play on the water are safe and secure – an area of approximately 50 square miles.

“To do this, we will use small watercraft, including rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) and personal watercraft – jet skis, as well as launches crewed by Dorset officers and marine police officers from other forces around the country. In partnership with the Royal Navy, Dorset Police will have access to the widest range of maritime capabilities and expertise.”

Captain Alex Burton of HMS Bulwark said: “The Games is a once in a generation event and it is a privilege that HMS Bulwark, and indeed other Naval aircraft, craft and ships, have been chosen to support Dorset Police in the safety and security operation.

“The training exercise next week will allow us to practise our procedures to ensure maritime security is robust but discreet during the Games providing a truly spectacular global sailing event.”

Dorset’s Olympic safety and security operation is supported by the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, as well as local authority and emergency service partners, particularly through the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Local Resilience Forum.

The military support is a fundamental aspect of safety and security operations on land, air and sea.