These days during the Olympic Games, I've been finding the police officers on London's streets to be surprisingly amusing.

In their fluorescent yellow jackets, they're easily spotted in subway stations, traffic junctions and the Olympic Park.

One thing - and I'm not complaining, mind you - If you ask for directions, you will probably be disappointed. I was lost the other day on my way to the London Media Center when I got out at the Westminster Station. I saw a police officer patrolling the street, so I asked him for directions. To my surprise, he smiled, shrugged his shoulders and apologized.

"I really want to help, but I'm not from London either," he said. "You'd better ask the volunteer in the pink jacket over there."

Later, I found out that he was actually from Scotland.

The city requested extra officers from Wales, Scotland and even Northern Ireland to boost security.

The Metropolitan Police of London said there were about 12,500 police on duty at peak times during the Games.

I often found the officers polite and amiable, though I can't help but wonder if these chubby-bellied men in their big heavy black hats would be able to catch up to a criminal if the situation arose.

I read a funny piece about the London police in the newspaper. A 52-year-old man named Mark Worsfold was arrested by police for not smiling while watching the men's cycling race.

The police said his behavior had caused concern, as he had not been seen to be visibly enjoying the event.

It turned out that Worsfold, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's two years ago, suffered from muscle rigidity that affects his facial expressions.

He was released after two hours without charge or caution. Worsfold said he understood the actions taken by the officers and appreciated their apologies.

I am not a security expert so I don't feel qualified to comment on London's security preparation. But recalling the Beijing Games, where you saw obviously heightened levels of security that could be annoying at times, the London security efforts seemed to be much lighter.

The best part is, none of it spoiled the cheerful atmosphere surrounding the Games.

Contact the writer at lixiang@chinadaily.com.cn.