Paris Beefs Up Security for Six Nations Game
- By Sydny Shepard
- Feb 03, 2016
Snipers, sniffer dogs and extra searches will anchor the biggest security operation seen at a sporting event in the country when France plays Italy in their opening Six Nations game at the Stade de France on Feb. 6.
The rugby match will be the first sporting event held at the national stadium since it was targeted by terrorists on Nov. 13, 2015 as France hosted Germany in a soccer match. A passer-by was killed when the attackers detonated their explosive vests but the causalities could have been a lot worse if any three of the suicide bombers had managed to slip inside the stadium undetected.
Security at the Stade de France had already been strengthened following the attacks, but it is being increased further for the game on Saturday. The clampdown will begin as bomb disposal teams sweep the stadium and its surrounding areas the day before the match. A police presence will be more than doubled for the entirety of the event.
Past rugby internationals at the Stade of France have been overseen by 100 police and 700 security guards, but this Saturday there will be upwards of 250 police and over 900 security guards present.
While the security guards are in charge of keeping the peace inside the stadium, police are responsible for the outside. Police will be stationed strategically around the stadium and also at highly populated areas, such as the train stations. They will be looking for any suspicious activity, people or items.
The security officials of France urge the fans attending the game to be on the lookout as well, reminding them to always report anything or anyone that seems out of place.
About the Author
Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.