Source: CCTV.com
04-09-2007 13:53
Special Report: 2008 Beijing Olympics |
Security is a top concern at any major sporting event. And as the Beijing Olympics draws near, organizers are focused on holding a "Safe Olympics." Let's take a look at the progress Beijing has made in terms of security for the big event.
A successful Olympics must be a safe Olympics. Ensuring the safety of every athlete, official, volunteer, and spectator at the world's biggest sporting event is an enormous responsibility.
In Athens, fans enjoyed an exciting and safe Olympics thanks to a full array of security measures.
The 28th Olympiad returned to its spiritual home under the protective blanket of the most comprehensive security operation in Olympic history.
Athens spent over 1.5 billion US Dollars on its security. Deterrents to potential acts of terror could be seen in the air, on the sea, and in the streets.
Helicopters patrolled the skies. Key Olympic facilities were said to be guarded by anti-aircraft missiles. About 70-thousand police and soldiers were stationed on the ground. The Greek military also provided 500 vehicles and 50 naval ships.
Athens won high praise internationally with its huge security program.
IOC president Jacques Rogge said, "On security I can tell you that the IOC is perfectly satisfied with the efforts of the government. The government has done anything that is humanly possible in terms of security."
Security was also a high priority at the Turin Winter Olympics. Organizers took every step to ensure the safety of competitors, coaches and spectators.
The Turin Olympic Committee's preparations were meticulous: Over 15-thousand police and soldiers were on patrol during the Games. Special army corporals also assisted the police to make sure events took place peacefully. A new innovative radio scanning system was introduced at the airport to deal with suspect packages. Specially-trained police were on skis around many of the venues where alpine events took place.
Like Athens and Turin, Beijing's security preparations are also on schedule. The 2008 Olympic Games host city unveiled its security blueprint in March 2005.
Beijing's massive scheme involves almost all of the security organizations around the city. This includes public security, national security, and the armed police.
The following year, Beijing's Public Security authorities and their forces began preparations under the auspices of the program.
In April 2006, Beijing police launched their security training program for the Olympics.
They displayed their readiness for a number of threats at the Olympic Games.
Armed police successfully practiced a hostage-rescue mission to mark the start of Olympic security training, which all 40-thousand police officers will take part in.
Zhao Yuan, training section chief of Beijing Public Security Bureau, said, "Through professional and systematic training, we will make sure that all our Olympic security personnel will achieve the best standards of professional performance, including their language ability, their ability to interact appropriately, and other skills."
