The Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics will feature an unconventional addition to their security forces – administrative officials from the French Ministry of the Interior. This decision is part of a comprehensive security initiative to protect the event amid heightened terrorist threats in the country.
The Ministry of Interior has announced that administrative officials will have the opportunity to volunteer and assist in explosive detection during the games. These volunteers will undergo a 30-hour training program to acquire the necessary skills to collaborate with professional bomb disposal experts. They will also be compensated for their unique role in enhancing event security.
The security measures for the Paris 2024 Olympics are unprecedented, with tens of thousands of police officers and gendarmes assigned to secure the Olympic sites, as well as the Olympic and media villages. The magnitude of this security operation has led to the need for thousands of private security personnel, estimated to be between 18,000 to 22,000 positions.
The administrative officials will be involved in “priority missions” and “reinforcement missions” as outlined by the Ministry of the Interior. This includes tasks related to logistical management and support for critical operational objectives during the event.
The deployment of administrative officials for security purposes represents a significant shift in strategy, reflecting the comprehensive approach being taken to safeguard the Paris 2024 Olympics. With ongoing concerns about potential security threats, this collaborative effort between traditional security forces and civilian volunteers is a proactive step to mitigate risks and ensure a safe environment for athletes and spectators.
The participation of administrative officials from the Ministry of Interior underscores the multifaceted nature of security operations for large-scale events like the Olympics. It also emphasizes the need for collective effort and contribution to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the Paris 2024 games.
