Police Scotland take multi-agency approach to Commonwealth Games security
Seven years after Glasgow won the Bid to host the Games and with around seven weeks to go until the Opening Ceremony, Police Scotland, the Organising Committee and key partners including the military and the private security industry are preparing to deliver a safety and security programme the scale of which has not been seen in Scotland before.
Police officers will be supported by military personnel, British Transport Police and officers from the Scottish Prison Service along with private contract security guards and contract safety stewards covering all aspects of the security operation, ensuring those attending from Scotland and across the Commonwealth can enjoy the “friendly games” safely. Members of the public are also asked to play their part by remaining vigilant and alert.
In November 2013 in line with the existing safety and security processes for the Games, a number of private companies were invited to support Police Scotland’s staffing commitment to the event and provide contract security and safety stewarding personnel as part of the overall safety and security operation.
It was confirmed today that a total of 17 companies have now been contracted to deliver those services.
Following a robust and competitive tendering process, which 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 programme.
The programme has continual monitoring in place to ensure successful delivery in the lead up to and during the Games. The level of scrutiny being applied is unprecedented in the provision of a contract security and safety stewarding workforce.
Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Steve Allen, Security Director for the Commonwealth Games, 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 major 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.”
Welcoming the announcement, James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA said: “The approach taken by the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee and Police Scotland is an excellent example of a fully integrated and carefully considered approach to event security, which has taken into account all elements of safety and security and involved key stakeholders at each stage of the decision-making process.
“The level of scrutiny applied to potential suppliers has resulted in a Security and Stewarding Framework which is comprehensive, collaborative and fit for purpose, and I am confident that this approach will result in an enjoyable, yet secure, event.”
Private Contract Security and Stewarding contracts have been awarded to;
Private Contract Security and Stewarding only
SecuriGroup
Show & Event
Sword
The Protector Group
Private Contract Security only
Allander
Controlled Event Solution
Corps Security
Kingdom
Servoca
Total Security Group
Vigilant
Wilson James
Contract Safety Stewarding only
AP Security
Celtic FC (Protect Event)
G4S
Garrion Security Services Ltd.
Stadium Traffic Management Ltd.
Security staff working at the Commonwealth Games will have SIA accreditation. Stewards will have either two of the available industry standards (SVQ2 / NVQ2) or AUSSE or an agreed level of competency.
The accreditation process, run jointly by Police Scotland and the Home Office, is rigorous and more stringent than the industry baseline. Anyone deployed in these roles during the Games will go through that accreditation process regardless of performing stewarding or security roles.
Continual monitoring of all suppliers will continue in the lead up to and during the Games to ensure that contractual obligations are being met at all times.
