Ministry Of Public Order
Hellenic Police Headquarters

Athens, Aug. 4, 2003

Press Office

Within the framework of Sports Events in August 2003

The Olympic Games Security Division is testing operational plans for Olympic security by participating in the August 2003 Sports Events, which are taking place in the greater Athens area.

The Olympic Games Security Division, and Hellenic Police in general, will have an active part in the aforementioned Sports Events, allocating 2,695 personnel -most hailing from the Hellenic Police- to various operational sectors and actions. Another 44 volunteers involved with security will also participate.

The main planning group for the events was responsible for the preparation, organization and better application of security measures during the competitions, whereas there was constant cooperation between the Olympic Games Security Division with the Attica General Police Directorate and with the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee.

Specifically, in August 2003, the Olympic Games Security Division will test operational plans and security systems during the following competitions:
– The World Junior Rowing Championship 2003 at the Olympic Rowing Centre at Schinias (Aug. 6-9, 2003)
– The European Junior Road Cycling Championship 2003, Vouliagmeni (Aug. 15, 2003) and Athens` historic center (Aug. 17, 2003)
– Athens 2003 Regatta, Agios Kosmas Olympic Sailing (Aug. 20-28, 2003)

A total of seven Sports Events have been planned for August 2003.

The Olympic Games Security Division and the current structures of Hellenic Police, the Coast Guard, the Fire Brigade and the Armed Forces will participate in the three aforementioned Sports Events, testing and implementing operational security plans for the 2004 Olympic Games. Participation will also be significant in the four other Sports Events in August 2003, in cooperation with the General Police Directorate of Attica Prefecture in terms of increased public order, security and traffic measures. Specifically, sectors and measures that will be tested and monitored will be the following:

– Pedestrians` access
– Vehicles` access
– Perimeter security around Olympic facilities
– Issuance of accreditations and exchange of information and procedures

Security for the Olympic Games has, of course, been assigned by the state to the Ministry of Public Order, and in particular, to the Hellenic Police.

It is for this reason that the Olympic Games Security Division, a special branch, reports directly to the Chief of the Hellenic Police.

Briefly, the mission of the Olympic Games Security Division includes:
– The high-level planning of security and public order measures necessary during the preparation and hosting of Olympic and Paralympic Games of 2004, as well as of the Cultural Olympiad
– Overseeing the operational implementation of security plans
– Coordination of all services and branches offering their services for the security during the Olympic Games of 2004

More for information: tel: 210 6977505
Fax: 210 6929764
E-mail: elasgrty@mopo.gr