Strathclyde Police moves in to take command of Olympic security in Scotland following G4S staff shortage

A G4S security manager in Scotland has resigned as a result of the ongoing staffing crisis – after Strathclyde Police decided to take control of security at the country’s Olympic venues.

It is being reported that the duty security manager felt frustrated at being asked to do an “extremely difficult job with very limited resources”.

Following staffing shortages in Glasgow, where extra resources are required for Hampden Park and two hotels housing athletes, Strathclyde Police took the decision to assume responsibility for overall Olympic security at the venues.

It also confirmed that it had called in extra officers to deal with the G4S shortfall and that costs would be recovered.

G4S had said the employee had not “formally” resigned and that security was not compromised. He had played an overview role in security arrangements.

Scotland's contribution to the Games includes hosting matches in the Olympic football tournament, taking place between July 25 and August 3 in Glasgow.

LOCOG Head of Venue Security in Scotland, Kenny Graham said: “It was becoming increasingly difficult to put a security operation in place.

“G4S did not deliver on the numbers that we required and that culminated in a statement from Strathclyde Police that they would, with immediate effect, take primacy for the security operation at Hampden Park.”

A Strathclyde Police spokesman would not comment on the number of officers deployed for security arrangements but added: “Extra officers will be deployed to these operations. However, this will have no impact on the level of service in our communities.

“At this time we do not anticipate that there will be any need for military involvement.

“Discussions are underway with the Convenor of Strathclyde Police Authority, Councillor Philip Braat, the Scottish Government and the National Olympic Security Co-Ordinator to make sure that all additional costs incurred will be fully reimbursed.”