Police invest in 2010 security tech

By Leon Engelbrecht, ITWeb senior writer

Johannesburg, 03 Jul 2008

The police plan to spend R640 million securing the 2010 Soccer World Cup by deploying about 41 000 police offers and new equipment - including ICT - that is worth a further R665 million.

Deputy national police commissioner Andre Pruis says the acquisitions will include an unspecified number of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or robotic planes as well as about 300 mobile cameras that can be fitted to vehicles, lamp posts and even clothing - in addition to those fitted to the UAS and the police`s existing helicopter and aircraft fleet.

Pruis, who is in charge of 2010 security, says SA successfully hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) and the 2003 Cricket World Cup.

He adds that the security blueprint "we employed at the [WSSD] is now employed at all United Nations events."

With regard to 2010, the commissioner said a security concept plan was delivered to FIFA on Monday while the detailed security plan is due a year from now. "Ninety percent of the planning is completed, and we are working on the broad framework and tactical details," he said.

The plan for 2010 safety provides for security threats such as terrorism, general law enforcement as well as contingency plans for disasters such as fires and floods. "The plan ranges from the international community to the soccer pitch," he says.

Volunteers

Meanwhile, the FIFA Local Organising Committee (LOC) has issued a call for volunteers to assist with next June`s Confederations Cup.

The LOC is looking for over 5 000 volunteers including those with ICT skills.

LOC volunteer programme manager Onke Mjo says applications can only be done online. The application process closes 31 August.

Mjo says the volunteers "will help with accreditation, administration, information technology, language support, logistics, transport, information services, media and marketing."

The 2009 Confederations Cup, popularly known as the Festival of Champions, takes place from 14 to 28 June 2009 in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Rustenburg, Mangaung and Port Elizabeth.

It will be contested by eight countries - South Africa, Italy, United States, Brazil, Egypt, Iraq, UEFA 2008 champions Spain, and the champions of Oceania.

About 15 000 volunteers will be needed for the 2010 event.