Edition: English | 中文简体 | 中文繁体 Монгол
Homepage > Sports Video

Rio 2016 Olympics a month to go, Brazil beefs up security

CCTV.com

07-07-2016 10:50 BJT

Full coverage: 2016 Rio Olympics

With a month to go before the start of the Rio 2016 Olympics, Brazil's National Public Security Force -- made up of elite police and military officers -- has assumed control of safety in and around the city's sports venues. This comes amid worries of local crime and the potential for terror attacks.

Brazil is determined to make sure athletes and visitors attending the first South American Games will be safe, and to that end, Brazilian officials handed over Olympic security to the country's national force.. just 30 days before the games begin.

Brazil's Justice Minister, Alexandre de Moraes, said he was confident Rio will deliver safe games and said the country will be vigilant against all threats, including terrorism.

"There isn't a probability but it's a possibility as it is elsewhere in the world. And that's exactly because there is a possibility we are working as if a probability exists," Alexandre de Moraes said.

Brazil's security plan for the games includes the deployment of 85 thousand police officers and soldiers - double the staff of the 2012 London Olympics.

In addition to the ground troops, Rio has invested in state-of-the-art security centers since the World Cup to counter any potential threat, and will work in coordination with some 55 countries, sharing information.

"It's the biggest operation of international police cooperation, not just in Brazil but for Interpol. We need to be prepared, that is our mission. We will have athletes from 206 countries, 30 thousand journalists, and more than five hundred thousand tourists," said Andrei Rodrigues, head of security, Brazil Special Events.

However, Rio is dealing with a financial crisis its worst recession in decades. This week local policemen -- angry over unpaid wages -- staged protests at the city's main airport. Their message to anyone arriving for the Olympics: "Welcome to hell." 

The beginning of national security operations coincides with a government injection of some 900 million dollars to the state of Rio to help cover salaries and infrastructure costs It's money officials are hoping will put a lid on rising crime and the local police revolt.

Follow us on

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Instagram

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Wechat