Securing the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will include the military and the private security on a scale not seen in Scotland before, the authorities have said before the July 23 opening.
Police officers will be supported by military personnel, British Transport Police and officers from the Scottish Prison Service besides private contract security guards and contract safety stewards covering all aspects of the security operation. The aim say organisers is for those attending from Scotland and across the Commonwealth can enjoy the ‘friendly games’ safely. The public is also asked to play their part by remaining vigilant and alert.
In November 2013, as reported in the January 2014 issue of Professional Security, 19 private companies were invited to tender to provide contract security, and safety stewarding, personnel. Police Scotland, the single police force for the country, confirmed on May 29 that a total of 17 companies have now been contracted to deliver those services. The two not taking part in the Games are Norse Commercial Services; and Showsec, who did the security for the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002.
What organisers term a robust and competitive tendering process examined key factors including capability and value for money, suppliers have been appointed to the Glasgow 2014 Security and Stewarding Frameworks. Under the leadership of Police Scotland, the Organising Committee (OC) is working with contractors to deliver the security and stewarding.
The programme has continual monitoring in place to ensure delivery in the lead up to and during the Games, say organisers. The level of scrutiny being applied is described as unprecedented in the provision of a contract security and safety stewarding workforce.
Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Steve Allen is Security Director for the Commonwealth Games. He said: “Planning for the safety and security operation has taken place over the past seven years. It’s an operation unprecedented in scale in terms of the resources needed to ensure the games run safely and securely across all aspects of the event. Police Scotland has been working with a wide range of organisations in Scotland and the UK and the successful delivery of a safe and secure games will be achieved only as a result of this team effort.
“Police officers, private contract security staff and safety stewards and military personnel will all be working together to keep people safe before and during the games as we see an influx of visitors to Glasgow and Scotland and local communities get ready for the Games. Stewards and security staff from the private sector will help to ensure sites are protected and members of the public are safe. Military personnel from a number of UK units will be deployed to take on front-facing roles in helping make the event a success.
“We will also have Special Constables and Police Scotland Youth Volunteers working as part of the safety and security operation and from elsewhere across the public sector, personnel are working together, including Scottish Prison Service staff, skilled in search techniques. And there is one more critical safety and security team asset – the public. The success of the safety and security operation will be achieved with their support and I would ask them to remain vigilant and alert. 2014 is a landmark year for Scotland for many reasons and the hosting of the XX Commonwealth Games puts our country and our policing in the global spotlight. By working together as true team under Project Servator – law enforcement, partners and the public – we will deliver a safe and secure Glasgow 2014.”
The integrated multi-agency approach delivers on the commitment to learn from such events like the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Police Scotland in charge of mix of personnel delivering Games safety and security. DCC Allen added: “We have carried out numerous exercises involving all of the partners to ensure our planning is as strong as it can be so that we can respond when needed in the most effective way. Our planning has been meticulous. Police Scotland and the Organising Committee are confident that Glasgow 2014 will be a success in every sense, an event that will be remembered for years to come and one that athletes, spectators and the people of Glasgow and Scotland can fully enjoy.”
David Leather, Glasgow 2014 Chief Operating Officer said: “Glasgow 2014 has been working positively and collaboratively with Police Scotland and the private security industry to develop security and stewarding solutions which will play a key role in delivering a safe and secure Commonwealth Games in less than two months’ time.
“We recognise and value the important role private security suppliers have to play and we are delighted to have created the opportunity for a wide range of security providers to contribute to delivering a safe and enjoyable Games experience for athletes, officials and spectators under the guidance of Police Scotland. We are applying a level of scrutiny that is unprecedented in the provision of a contractor security and stewarding workforce. That means the progress of every contractor towards the successful delivery of their commitments is fully transparent and there is accountability at every step of the way. Glasgow 2014, Games Partners, Skills Development Scotland and colleges across Scotland are also pleased to be creating training and job opportunities in the security industry for hundreds of people; which is a positive outcome for individuals, for Scotland and for the Commonwealth. Glasgow 2014 is the biggest multi-sport event Scotland has ever hosted, it will be a special time and we want people to enjoy their experience as much as possible. We are confident that the approach being taken regarding both security and safety stewarding will play a positive role in the delivery of a safe and secure Games we can all be proud of.”
Brigadier Paul Harkness, Commander 51 Infantry Brigade said: “The Armed Forces is delighted to be able to provide support to Police Scotland throughout the Commonwealth Games. Headquarters 51st Infantry Brigade will be responsible for the Regulars and Reserves from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force in providing the Military Venue Security Force and Ceremonial support to what we know will be a fortnight of exciting international sport. All involved are very much looking forward to being part of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.”
