19 Private Security Firms Asked To Provide Cover At Glasgow 2014
Security company G4S is one of 19 firms in line to provide stewards and guards at next year's Commonwealth Games.
The firm was heavily criticised for its part in the London Olympics when thousands of military personnel had to be drafted in after the company admitted it might not be able to provide enough guards.
Games chiefs today published a list of 19 firms that have been ``invited to sign up to framework agreements'' to support Police Scotland at next July's competition.
They also include Securigroup, Showsec International and AP Security.
Decisions over contracts to companies for specific venues, roles and responsibilities will be taken later.
Deputy Chief Constable Steve Allen, director of Games security, said planning was now well-advanced and had been subject to ``significant levels of scrutiny''. ``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,'' he said. ``We will be using the appropriate mix of police officers, security guards, stewards and military personnel as part of our planned operation. ``Police Scotland and the Organising Committee are confident that Glasgow 2014 will be a success in every sense, an event that will be remembered for years to come and one that athletes, spectators and the people of Glasgow and Scotland can fully enjoy.''
He also told Capital planning for security at the Games has been easier becuase all of Scotland's police forces merged into one
Glasgow 2014 said all companies invited to participate in the safety and security programme had gone through a ``robust and competitive'' tendering process.
The duty of security personnel will be to protect while stewards will maintain spectator safety.
G4S is one of the largest employers in Scotland, providing services at stadiums including Hampden Park and at major events such as the T in the Park music festival.
