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Shield of 20,000 to Protect Games By Liam Houlihan 10/7/05 |
A PRIVATE army of 5000 security guards and a new network of
spy cameras will help safeguard athletes and fans during the Commonwealth Games.
The guards will join 13,000 police and 1200 soldiers who will form a security shield over the 12 days of the event.
Key sites such as the MCG, Federation Square, Parliament House, Richmond Station and the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre will be under
24-hour spy camera surveillance.
The guards will cost Victoria $15 million.
Leaked Bracks Government documents reveal guards will be used at venues and key city centres, including Flinders St and Spencer St stations.
They will have existing citizen arrest powers to hold suspects for police and will also search bags.
Federation Square and the main pedestrian routes to the MCG will be heavily monitored.
The guards, along with hundreds of defense troops checking vehicles, will join police as a visible security force on the streets.
Closed Circuit TV Cameras will cover black spots in the inner city — and may be kept after the Games.
Bendigo, which will host basketball and shooting, will also get
security cameras.
Regional venues such as Traralgon will have security fences built and all regional sites will get more police.
Games Minister Justin Madden's office said yesterday there would be
security sweeps before venues were locked down and athletes arrived for competition.
The Games Village will be home to 4500 athletes and 1300 officials. Roads into the village will pass through checkpoints.
Spectators will be subject to a police search,
metal detectors and other security scanners.
Source: heraldsun.news.com.au
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