What can we learn from the Winter Olympics?

With all eyes on the Sochi Olympics, what lessons can be learned from Russian security?

We’re now mid-way through the Winter Olympics, this year held in Sochi, Russia. And if anyone observed our security issues in the run up to the London Olympics and took note, it would appear to the be Russians.

With only one road leading into the mountainous area playing host to the world’s winter sports stars, you’d think that made the job of keeping security tight easy, but clearly a huge concrete checkpoint 60 miles short of the city centre isn’t enough.

These are some of the measures in place:

• For the duration of the Games, only vehicles registered in Sochi or those granted special permission may pass the checkpoint, and even then they are being thoroughly searched by Russia's internal security service, the FSB.
• 40,000 security personnel including police and armed forces are active in security.
• High speed naval boats patrol the sea off the Olympic park, as well as deep sea research vessel ‘Seliger’, clearly kitted out with enough communication kit to (almost) sink a ship.
• The Russian army is patrolling the mountainous region surrounding Sochi.
• Increased security at airports and rail stations.
• 1000s of cameras are operating as part of a CCTV network under constant scrutiny by officers.
• Military hides dot the road leading into Sochi – other entrances are closed.
• Russian weaponry includes anti-aircraft battery, radar dishes and missiles.

The question is, is taking these kinds of extreme security measures to be considered paranoid, or the kind of defences you’d expect for an event of this size?

What it boils down to is one clear message: “The eyes of the world are on us, and we won’t tolerate any foul play.”

What’s more, those attending and participating in this month’s Games can rest assured that every measure is being taken to ensure their safety.

So what can we learn from this? That having an obvious security presence is important, to not only deal with any incidents of crime as they occur, but to also act as a deterrent. Our uniformed officers perform this role at sites in Andover, Basingstoke, Salisbury and surrounding areas, and our CCTV and patrols have the same impact on business premises and private residences across Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Back-up plans are necessary. While the average homeowner won’t be advised to stockpile missiles, they would be sensible to arrange for a rapid response team to react to any alarm activations on their property. Our teams are trained to deal with a range of situations which may arise, putting the safety of you, your family and your employees first.

Don’t take events lightly. Whatever function you arrange, any gathering of large numbers of people presents an increased security risk – particularly in the modern world we live in. Security officers, CCTV, check-points and a police presence are all things to be put in place, whether you’re arranging a gala ball, sports event or organising a celebrity opening. Remember: events attract the press, which attracts an audience, which attracts a host of potential threats.

So, with all that in mind, ensure that if you take anything away from this year’s Winter Olympics, it’s why you need to present a firm security presence – to secure your property, business and your reputation.