Olympic games security costs

Bush , exploited and propagated this fear to restore their authority, and make previously unpopular decisions. Certain companies were given preferential consideration over other companies when bidding on projects, based on factors, such as their relationship with Putin. This resulted in companies that were unfairly prohibited from submitting contracts.

The bids were suspiciously close to the maximum the state said it would pay. Corruption also exists between the government, contractors and committee members. Photo Source: Flickr. You must be logged in to post a comment. Security at the Olympics includes a wide range of technology, such as: — Cameras with facial recognition software — An anti-aircraft battery — Full-body scanners — Metal detectors — A flotilla naval craft — Drones — Detection dogs Reasons for rising security costs relate to terrorist threats and attacks, the culture of fear, and corruption.

An MoD insider said that as the heated discussions over how to increase the personnel numbers continued, the scale of the military's potential involvement became clear when posters began appearing all over the department's main building imploring staff to take out comprehensive holiday and travel insurance.

The announcement on 15 December made clear why. The MoD was arm-twisted into providing 7, troops for venue security during the peak periods this summer — only 1, fewer than the number now serving in Afghanistan. That was on top of 5, military personnel to assist the police outside the venues and another 1, for "logistical support". G4S will recruit and train 13, staff, and its contract has been adjusted to reflect the higher numbers.

About 3, volunteers will help search and scan ticketholders as they enter venues. A scheme called Bridging the Gap, using students and people who are out of work, will make up the balance.

Overall, 23, security personnel will be working this August at the various venues at the Olympic Park, as well as at the temporary arenas in central London, the football stadiums around the UK and the sailing sites in Weymouth. In some respects, the "make do and mend" solution was a triumph of pragmatism, but the time it took to strike a deal has left all those involved in their own tight race.

G4S is still sifting through 50, job applications, and security vetting for these could take until the end of April. The MoD recently announced it intended to call up 2, reserves for the Olympics, as it attempts to make up its complement with the least disruption to regular soldiers. Individual troops will not know what duties they will be performing, or for how long, until the end of this month. Despite this, the MoD and G4S insist they still have time to meet the deadlines. The department had been "fully involved in the Olympic security planning from the outset", he said.

General Sir Nick Parker, commander-in-chief, land forces, has deflected criticism of the decision to call up so many troops so late in the day. In private, others in the MoD say the Olympics is not a sudden international emergency, but the biggest sporting event staged in Britain, one that was supposed to have been meticulously planned since , not least because the police, MI5 and MI6, are treating it as a likely target for terrorists. Such is the sensitivity about the Games from all those involved, there is a reluctance to speak with candour about any of the challenges facing the authorities.

The police and the intelligence agencies have noted an increase in potentially worrying "noise" coming from the individuals and groups that might consider undertaking an attack.

That being said, why do cities continue to bid and spend billions on hosting the games? There are several good reasons why. First, it often creates thousands of jobs for the city. This is typically due to the need to improve infrastructure, build facilities, etc. For example, the London Olympics created 48, temporary jobs within the city. Those same London Olympics attracted 8. We hope you enjoy cheering on your favorite athletes over the coming days as we all watch the greatest competition in the world take place.

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten.