LONDON – Although security firm G4S has received a failing grade for the level of security to date at the London 2012 Olympic Games, there was a visible presence of various security officers at Olympic venues visited yesterday.
With London Heathrow being the main hub of the Olympic Games, there was not a strong presence of security at the Gatwick Airport yesterday morning.
Accredited people were escorted through the Olympic lanes to immigration, baggage claim, customs and transportation with no hassle.
Veteran Jamaica journalist Anthony Foster entered through Heathrow and he said: “Heathrow was easy, very easy for me.”
But the number of security officers increased in Olympic Park, which houses some of the main venues like the stadium, aquatic centre and the velodrome.
Those affiliated with the Games are required to keep their accreditation visible and it is scanned by security officers at the major checkpoints.
No filming or taking of pictures is allowed near the checkpoints and the signs are clearly visible, warning of the consequences.
At the entrance to the Main Press Centre, journalists went through screening similar to that done at major airports.
After the bar code on the accreditation was scanned for authenticity, each individual member of the Press or broadcaster went through the scanner. If there was a beep, officers of the same sex performed a brisk and professional pat down.
Laptops, bags and cameras were also screened. Armed policemen and fresh-faced youngsters in army fatigues manned the entrances. Officers with weapons were also on the streets.
According to yesterday’s edition of The Mail Online, a further 1 200 troops who were on standby last week have been called in to fill the breach left by G4S’ inability to provide 3 500 of the required 10 400 contracted guards.
So tight was the security in and around the Main Press Centre, however, that after entering the venue, climbing a flight of stairs and crossing the car park to get accreditation validated, this journalist was required to go through the screening area again, receiving a second pat down, when she attempted to re-enter the Main Press Centre by the reverse route.
Volunteers at the training venues have also received strict instructions to introduce all visitors – including media personnel – to the official in charge before they can proceed to do interviews or watch training.
However, transportation might prove to be as big a headache for those living and working in London during the Games.
Despite visible signs in the distinct pink colours of the Olympic Games, many of them were confusing, with arrows pointing in the wrong direction.
On female journalist from Australia, who was making her third trip to the Main Press Centre, confessed to being lost again as she followed signs which pointed upward but on the opposite side to where the train was boarding.
She lamented the poor signage in the train station and pointed out that it could be an even bigger challenge for non-English speakers.
While the buses and trains were on time yesterday, the Games are yet to get underway, so the real test will be for the Opening Ceremony and the first day of competition.
