Olympic Security Tops $900 Million

By Phillip Williams on February 20, 2010, 4:11 pm Posted in Economy News

Security is one of the most important things to consider at the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year, the Winter Olympics. Not only is it required to keep the athletes as safe as possible, but also the area surrounding the games needs to be protected as well for all those attending to watch.

How Much Money Is Needed

The budget for security at Vancouver’s games has been set around $900 million. Although according to some, it is higher than it should be; others expected the price tag to be near $1 billion. There are numerous different groups involved in the security effort. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is working with two Canadian companies and one American company to assure that security is at it’s finest. There are also around 31,000 volunteers to help with smaller security measures.

It is expected that there will be over 300,000 visitors to Vancouver during the events, not including the possible 10,000 members of media outlets that will be attending. Security is of utmost concern for all of those involved. Some of the devices that are being used for security purposes are cameras, metal detectors, and satellite imaging, as well as eye and facial scans. Those competing in events have been told to expect security measures as if they are boarding an airplane. They’ve been asked to get to events early, bring as small of bags as possible, and make sure their pockets are empty of things that could set off metal detectors.

 

Is It Enough

While there are critics both for and against the high price tag of security measures, security has already been breached at least one time so far. A man managed to get past security and very close to U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden. No one was harmed however.

Related posts:

1. House Ways & Means Committee Can Affect Social Security & Medicare
2. Will The Recent Airline Bombing Attempt Hurt The Industry More?
3. The True Long Term Cost Of The Obama Healthcare Plan Fiasco
4. NASA Completes Successful Launch Of “Mission To The Sun”
5. Financials: Crude Oil Prices Highest In Almost Two Years