Commonwealth Games Security to Cost 90 Million Pounds

Commonwealth Games Security to Cost 90 Million Pounds

  • By Matt Holden
  • Jul 16, 2014

Commonwealth Games Security to Cost 90 Million PoundsThe 2014 Commonwealth Games, scheduled for July 23 through August 3, will run up a 90 million pound tab on security alone, more than three times the original expected amount of 27.2 pounds.

The Scottish government is helping out, contributing 37.7 million pounds more than they originally budgeted. The plan is to have 1,100 soldiers deployed on the streets of Glasgow while spectators face airport-style searches by uniformed personnel for possible explosive devices. Some of the athletes competing are world-famous, like Usain Bolt, Sir Bradley Wiggins, and Elidh Child.

The security is being overseen by a multi-agency operation called Project Servator, which includes 17 private security firms. G4S is one of these firms as well as 900 army staff and 300 from both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Scottish police are preparing to install a “ring of steel” around the venues in an attempt to prevent any potential terrorist attack. The security operation that is going on in the city is unprecedented. Officers are visibly stationed on top of buildings in the Athletes’ Village in Dalmarnock.

About the Author

Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.

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