London Olympics organizer rejected concerns over security staffing

PanARMENIAN.Net - The chairman of the London 2012 organizing group Friday, July 13 rejected concerns over security staffing ahead of the Olympic Games, which start in two weeks, CNN reports.

Sebastian Coe told reporters he was "extraordinarily impressed with" private contractor G4S so far.

His comments follow the announcement by the British government Thursday that an extra 3,500 military personnel are needed to cover a shortfall in recruitment by G4S.

Coe said he was happy with the security staff on site and that while G4S has "challenges," it will get there. No one can underestimate the task ahead, he said.

Coe would not comment on the "robust" contract the organizing committee (LOCOG) has with G4S. Home Secretary Theresa May addressed the issue Thursday.

"There is no question of Olympic security being compromised," May said.

She said it became clear Wednesday that G4S was not able to provide all the security staff it had promised to the organizers of the London Olympic Games.

The government's decision to bring in additional troops, on top of the 13,500 already agreed, was the appropriate response to the shortfall in G4S staff, she said.

The deployment means 17,000 troops will be on duty in the United Kingdom during the Games, compared with the 9,500 currently in Afghanistan.

G4S had been expected to recruit a staff of more than 10,000 as part of a total security force of 23,700 for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will still provide several thousand personnel.

A G4S statement Thursday said the company has about 4,000 people at work across 100 venues and has more than 9,000 others going through the required vetting, training and accreditation process.

Britain is on a heightened state of alert ahead of the Games, which open on July 27.