Security for the 2012 Olympics

With around 22 months to go until the start of the Olympics, the UK has to face up to the reality of staging the world's biggest event in a city which has already been hit by terrorism. The main focus now is to make sure the security is in place and measures have already started to be made to make sure London, the participants and the fans are safe within the Olympic village.

It is widely known that London already leads the field in its big brother style security coverage with more CCTV surveillance cameras per person in population than any other city within the world. Olympics minister Tessa Jowell has given assurances that security levels will be consistent with any potential risk of at the time of the Olympic Games.

Olympics 2012

What is certain is that the Games will demand thebest security in terms of technology and human resources. It is common knowledge that prior planning and expertise can deliver a safe and secure for all Olympics. But various insiders have said a price could not be put on preventing a large-scale terrorist attack on the main Olympic site or in London's parks, where hundreds of thousands of people will watch the events on large TV screens erected. "It will cost whatever it takes to ensure terrorism does not once again try to rob London of celebrating the 2012 Games," a source said.

People Power:

Even though the Security strategy for the Olympics is yet to be released and the government officials have indicated what parties will be used to make sure the safety of participants, officials and the audience at the Olympics are safefrom any terrorist attack.

The Army:

Unmanned military planes, as used to monitor the Talibans in Afghanistan will apparently be used to monitor suspected terrorist aircrafts and will man the skies above London.

The Police:

Scotland Yard police will be one of the main security measures for the Olympics. Checking people on public transport, manning the streets surrounding the event and controlling the Street parties London wants to achieve with the Olympics. The people have a huge responsibility with the security of the Olympic Games and will form one of the main expenses from a security perspective.

Security Industry Staff:

Security industry staff will be used for security around the event, checking tickets and stewarding area inside the stadiums and theOlympic Village. These individuals will still require an SIA License which is a positive step for the overall security of the event as the Security representatives will need to be vetted. This kao3 lv4 the risk of rogue security staff and potential security issues with those working at the event.

Volunteers:

It is estimated that tens of thousands of volunteers will be required to help with the Olympics in checking bags and tickets. Taking on volunteers could create further problems however resulting in another headache in making sure all security are legitimate.

Safety vs. Fun Dilemma:

The main problem faced by the 2012 organisation committee is the balancing of any potential security concerns while making sure spectators can fully enjoy a friendly and openatmosphere, the opposite of events which occurred at the Beijing Olympics.

This however is all proving to be the greatest headache for organisers, alongside transport. The main worry for officials is that they want the experience of 2012 to be open and shared not just by those with tickets but by all Londoners, with street parties similar to those in Sydney at the turn of the millennium.

London has a difficult dilemma to face with ensuring the security covers every angle but the enjoyment and celebration of the Olympic Games is still intact. It is said that the security operation is expected to be largest in peacetime Britain, with the two week event indentified as a major terrorist attack throughout the country.

The government however are fully aware of the securityrisks, the cost involved and are actively backing all security measures. A Home Office spokesman said: "The Government and its partners in security are committed to the safety and security of the London 2012 Olympics, and a funding envelope of £ 600 m has been agreed.

"An integrated, costed security plan is being produced, for ministerial agreement by the end of the year. This will cover strategic options for a range of security measures, including fraud and financial crime prevention and protection, counter-terrorism, identity assurance and personal protection. "

Security for the 2012 Olympics