Over 2,000 foreign police and military personnel requested to bolster security for the summer games
In anticipation of the Paris Olympics this summer, France has extended a request to 46 countries for additional security support, aiming to secure more than 2,000 police officers to ensure safety during the event. This request, made in January, reflects the country’s commitment to hosting a secure and successful Games, marking Paris’s first Olympics in a century amid heightened concerns over potential attacks.
The French Interior Ministry articulated that this move seeks to enhance the security framework for the Games and enrich the spectator experience through international cooperation. This approach follows a precedent set by other host nations during major international events, illustrating France’s proactive stance on safeguarding one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events.
Historically, France has contributed to international security efforts, sending 200 gendarmes to the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and welcoming 160 officers from various European security forces for the Rugby World Cup hosted in France last year. Similarly, the French Defence Ministry has reached out for specialized military support, including sniffer dog teams, to perform “very specific” tasks during the Olympics, indicating a comprehensive security strategy that encompasses both police and military expertise.
Poland has already responded positively, with its Defence Minister announcing the deployment of Polish soldiers, including dog handlers, to assist with explosives detection and counter-terrorism efforts at the Paris Games. This international collaboration underscores the global commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the Olympics, a venue that historically brings together nations in a spirit of peace and competition.
Paris’s preparation for the Olympics occurs against a backdrop of significant security concerns, fueled by past attacks by Islamic extremists in the city and the anticipated influx of up to 15 million visitors for the Games and subsequent Paralympics. The French government’s recent elevation of its security alert to the highest level further emphasizes the critical nature of these preparations. The decision follows a deadly attack at a Russian concert hall and the Islamic State’s claim of responsibility, prompting France to bolster its security measures to protect both participants and spectators during this global sporting spectacle.
With the opening ceremony set to feature an innovative boat procession along the Seine River, attracting vast crowds, the comprehensive and collaborative security plan highlights France’s dedication to hosting a memorable and secure Olympics for athletes and fans alike.
