The security budget for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is expected to exceed £90M ($146M), according to the Scotland DAILY RECORD. A total of £27.2M ($44.2M) had been set aside for security costs at the "massive sporting event." Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison, however, announced this was being increased to £90M, with "the Scottish Government contributing an additional £37.7M ($61.2M) toward this." Additionally, just more than £25M ($40.6M) from the Games contingency fund "will be used to help make up the increased budget." Robison said: "I am certain this is the right step to take at this stage if we are to continue to have confidence in our ability to deliver a safe and secure Games for everyone to enjoy." The security budget is being increased after ministers asked Police Service of Scotland Chief Constable Stephen House to "take primary responsibility for Games security" (DAILY RECORD, 12/18).
SECURING THE SITE: The BBC reported the extra cash "will be spent on securing the Athletes' Village, hotels and training venues, and providing additional CCTV and perimeter fencing." The Athletes' Village "will be secured for six months before the Games begin, and provisions will be put in place to provide round-the-clock security at some hotels and training venues." Robison said a "detailed security review" had taken place following a "comprehensive observation programme at London 2012." Robison: "London 2012 highlighted the risk of having a single company providing private security, so the organising committee, in collaboration with the police, has split the private security tender for 2014 into multiple contracts" (BBC, 12/18).
TAKING RESPONSIBILITY: STV reported House will take "full responsibility" for the budget to oversee policing and security of the event. House: "This is a welcome development that ensures clear lines of accountability and enables a properly integrated approach to planning and delivery." G4S, which was hired to provide security for the London Games, "could be among those that submits bids" for Glasgow 2014 contracts. (STV, 12/18).
