Hundreds of officers from nine police forces, including South Wales, are being drafted in to fill the gaps in Olympics security left by under-fire firm G4S, alongside the extra 3,500 military personnel called in to help with venue security.
With less than two weeks until the opening ceremony, ministers insisted the Games would be secure and dismissed the firm’s failure to provide the promised 10,000 security guards as no more than a “hitch”.
Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison, the National Olympic Security Co-ordinator, said: “Whilst some of the activity police officers are undertaking was not anticipated, plans were put in place to allow us to do this.”
A spokesman for South Wales Police added: “South Wales Police officers are supporting the security operation by providing officers to enhance the security arrangements in place, operating to the tight timescales needed to deliver the defensive search regime at athlete facilities in our area.
“Delivering a safe and secure Games is our top priority and we are working closely with our partners to deliver an end-to-end security operation.
“As part of our planning for the Games, we have been sure to build contingency and resilience into our resourcing and we have the capacity to meet this task and we will not compromise on keeping the streets and our local communities safe.”
Meanwhile, as pictured, armed guards have been spotted around Cardiff as athletes arrive for the city’s games, which kick off in just over a week.
Security was heightened at the Hilton hotel in the city centre over the weekend, where it is understood the athletes will be staying over the coming weeks, and South Wales Police confirmed armed officers were making patrols.
The increase in security at Hilton is said to be “protocol” ahead of the event and is not in response to any security alert.
Guards “carrying guns” have been seen at Cardiff International Pool.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
NO ADVERTISING ACCEPTED ON COMMENTS