The Calgary Olympic Committee asked police to...

The Calgary Olympic Committee asked police to investigate irregularities in the distribution of 8,000 applications for 1988 Winter Games tickets to the United States.

Police and Olympic officials refused to comment on the nature of the irregularities.

“We’re looking at it as a straight criminal offense,” Calgary Police Superintendent Frank Mitchell said, adding that three officers were involved in the investigation and more would be added if necessary.

The Calgary Herald said the investigation was launched after 8,000 ticket application forms were mailed to selected addresses in the United States before the official release date of Sept. 30.

Only selected corporate sponsors and other groups promised tickets under contract with the Calgary Olympic Committee could reserve tickets before Sept. 30.

Bill Wardle, vice president of marketing for the Games, said James McGregor, Olympic ticketing manager, was given a leave of absense, pending completion of the police investigation.

“The discovery of the irregularity stimulated the weekend decision to place McGregor on a leave of absence,” Wardell said. “Some unusual decisions were taken in the ticket department which indicate McGregor was suffering from stress.”

About 270,000 ticket application forms have been distributed to outlets in the United States and are being processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The Olympic Committee has received more than 60,000 applications for tickets ince it began accepting the forms Oct. 1.