THE closeness of huts at the Whitehead Vietnamese detention centre is expected to create difficulties for security forces faced with protesters taking to the roofs.
At the High Island detention centre, Correctional Services Department (CSD) officers can use mobile aircraft steps to gain access to roofs, but Whitehead's design prevents that.
A CSD source said the only option was to use specially-purchased ladders capable of carrying more than one person at a time.
Boat people have previously linked themselves with ropes and armed themselves with homemade weapons to avoid being removed.
All available CSD officers have been assigned to today's operation but police will provide the largest number of officers.
A specialist team of 200 officers attached to the CSD emergency squad will bolster detention centre staff and be supported by a contingent of about 1,000 police officers equipped with riot shields and tear-gas.
A CSD spokesman said the entire operation was run by CSD and police would only take a more active role if opposition proved fierce.
