By Gary Anderson

November 18 - Glasgow 2014 and Police Scotland have announced the 19 firms invited to provide security and stewarding at Commonwealth Games venues such as Hampden Park ©AFP/Getty ImagesSecurity firm G4S Secure Solutions (UK) Limited, which had to be bailed out by the army at London 2012 after failing to provide enough staff, is one of 19 firms being invited by Glasgow 2014 to provide security and stewarding, it was announced today.

G4S came in for scathing criticism during last year's Olympics and Paralympics after it became apparent that it had failed to train and recruit enough of the security guards and stewards it had promised London 2012 organisers prior to the Games.

It forced the Government to step in and provide around 3,500 army personnel to make up the shortfall.

Bosses of the firm later admitted their handling of the Games was a "humiliating shambles" and were forced to pay £70 million ($113 million/€83 million) in compensation to London 2012 and its chief executive Nick Buckles had to stand down.

However, last year's debacle appears to not have put off Glasgow 2014 as G4S is among a number of firms being considered to work alongside Police Scotland, who are in overall charge of security and stewarding for the Games next year.

Glasgow 2014 and Police Scotland claim that plans for private security delivery for next year's event have been developed following extensive engagement with the industry itself and looking at experience elsewhere, including London 2012.

They also say that all companies invited to participate in the safety and security programme have gone through a robust and competitive tendering process.

Army personnel had to be drafted in during London 2012 after security firm G4S admitted that it could not provide enough staff ©AFP/Getty ImagesArmy personnel had to be drafted in during London 2012 after security firm G4S admitted that it could not provide enough staff ©AFP/Getty Images
























"Glasgow 2014 will be a fantastic sporting event which we want to ensure people can enjoy, from the starting blocks to the finishing line," said Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Steve Allen, who is also security director for the Commonwealth Games.

"From the time that athletes and spectators start arriving in Scotland to the Closing Ceremony, it is Police Scotland's absolute priority to ensure a safe and secure Commonwealth Games.

"To deliver that, Police Scotland and the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee have spent many months developing a programme through which we will work with the private security industry to deliver appropriate levels of security and stewarding staff.

"These staff are expected to be deployed in a range of specific, targeted locations across the footprint of the Commonwealth Games, from Games venues and accommodation to training facilities.

"We have today confirmed that 19 companies have been invited to sign up to framework agreements.

"Police Scotland will always have the lead role and responsibility in delivering Games safety and security, with private contract security staff used in roles which do not require police officers to carry out those specific functions such as stewarding and venue and site security."

The Glasgow 2014 Athletes Village which will accommodate around 6500 athletes and team officials during the Games will be patrolled by private security guards ©Glasgow 2014The Glasgow 2014 Athletes Village, which will accommodate around 6,500 athletes and team officials, will be patrolled by private security guards ©Glasgow 2014















The companies invited to provide security include Allander Group, Controlled Event Solutions, Corps of Commissionaires Management Limited, Kingdom Security Limited, Servoca Plc, Total Security Services, Vigilant Security and Wilson James.

Stewarding duties may be provided by AP Security (APS) Limited, Garrion Security Services Limited, G4S Secure Solutions (UK) Limited, Norse Commercial Services Limited, Protectevent and Stadium Traffic Management Limited.

Securigroup Services Limited, Show and Event Security Limited, Showsec International, Sword Event Guard Limited and The Protector Group have been invited to provide both security and stewarding services.

"Glasgow 2014 has been working positively and collaboratively with Police Scotland and the private security industry to develop security and stewarding solutions which will play a key role in delivering a safe and secure Commonwealth Games next summer, said Glasgow 2014 chief operating officer, David Leather.

"We recognise and value the important role that private security suppliers have to play and we have created an opportunity for a wide range of security providers to contribute to delivering a safe and enjoyable Games experience for athletes, officials and spectators."

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