The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) recently conducted a large-scale SWAT training exercise at UCLA, simulating a terrorist attack at a dormitory designated to house athletes during the 2028 Olympic Games. The drill, held at Hendrick Hall, which is slated to become part of the Olympic Village, involved dozens of officers and simulated active shooter and explosion scenarios.
Olympic Security Preparations
The five-hour exercise featured approximately 60 actors portraying hostages, victims, and assailants, testing the department's response to a complex attack. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated that "everything fell into place" during the drill, which included a police helicopter deploying officers onto the roof of the dormitory. He emphasized that the training serves not only for the Olympics but also as preparation for potential campus or facility threats.
The LAPD's plan for securing the 2028 Games includes a multi-layered approach, focusing on venue protection, a heavily secured "yellow zone" surrounding the venues, and additional coverage in outer areas. This operation is expected to be labor-intensive, requiring a sustained 24/7 posture for an 87-day period encompassing the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Staffing and Funding Challenges
Despite the rigorous training, Chief McDonnell acknowledged significant challenges facing the LAPD. The department requires approximately 7,500 officers daily to secure the Games, a number that exceeds its current total force of 8,550 officers. To compensate for this shortage, the LAPD plans to supplement its ranks with officers from other state and out-of-state departments. However, even with 2,500 officers assigned to Olympic sites, only 6,000 officers would remain to secure the rest of Los Angeles.
McDonnell also noted that the plan requires an additional 700 to 800 patrol vehicles, equipment for which funding is not fully secured and may face delays. The LAPD is currently grappling with a longstanding officer shortage, with the uniformed force at about 8,550 officers, down from over 8,700 in February. The department estimates its ideal staffing level to be around 12,500 officers to adequately safeguard the city.
An LA28 spokesperson indicated that the organizing committee is collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to determine the security and related costs for the Games. The ongoing staffing and funding concerns highlight the complex logistical and security demands associated with hosting a major international event like the Olympics.