ICSS: Reviews to Rio 2016 Security Plan 'Good Practice'

(ATR) The International Center for Sport Security tells Around the Rings the last-minute security changes made for the 2016 Olympics "shows that the host city is making security a priority."

Government officials have been reviewing the Rio 2016 security plan after a deadly terrorist attack in Nice, France. Federal government officials have pledged an increase in forces, as well as more roadblocks and increased screenings for spectators on the way inside Olympic venues.

Interim President Michel Temer confirmed the increase in security, while defense minister Raul Jungmann said in a statement that all reviews would "cover any remaining gaps." Last-minute security drills have already begun around the Olympic city as changes are implemented.

Malcolm Tarbitt, Executive Director, Safety and Security at the ICSS said to ATR that security reviews this close to a mega-sporting event are not unprecedented, and often a necessity as security landscapes remain fluid up until and through the event.

"A good security plan should be flexible so it can adapt to new threats and authorities must be able to adapt to a changing situation quickly and effectively," Tarbitt added. "Rio has reviewed its security protocols in light of the recent attack in Nice and has to the best of our knowledge, reacted quickly and appropriately.

"If you look back over the years many cities have had to review their security to respond to last-minute threats or incidents. This is not unusual, rather good practice."

Tarbitt says that increasing visible security presences such as screenings and adding forces will cause short-term disturbances, but they have the positive effect of keeping the public informed and engaged in Games security.

Both the Sochi 2014 and London 2012 Games saw security reviews in the final weeks before the celebrations began. London requested an extra number of security forces to cover unforeseen holes in the security plan, while the high profile "Black Widow" terror threatcaused Russian authorities to reexamine the safety of the Sochi Games.

For Rio, the addition of a newly built Integrated Anti-Terrorism Centre as well as security coordination from over 10 countries around the world show Tarbitt that the 2016 Olympics will have mitigated the risk of a terror attack as much as they can.

Another benefit for Rio organizers is the successful hosting of the 2014 World Cup. Organization of the event was not confined to just Rio de Janeiro, and featured robust security plans in cities all over the country. Tarbitt said he believes that Olympic organizers would benefit from the transfer of knowledge from World Cup organizers, and shows that Brazil can handle the security aspect of mega-events.

"It’s impossible to guarantee 100% security. However, risks can be minimized as low as reasonably practicable, and the chance of swift and effective response enhanced," Tarbitt said. "Rio has the benefit that it did not start from scratch, and that there is significant transfer of knowledge from city to city and from organizing committee to organizing committee."

Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro

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