May 1, 2000
Five-hundred million dollars and 15,000 officers.
That's what Sydney estimates it'll need just for security at the 2000 summer Olympics.
News Specialist Scott Light tells us what's being planned here for security in 2002.
Believe it or not, there's already a final draft of a security plan for the Salt Lake Games, but it's certainly a work in progress. I was told today that the plan will probably be revised up until the opening ceremonies at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Security is daunting for any host city and anyone in charge of it.
Munich 1972 for example - the worst security disaster in olympic history-- 11 Israelis massacred.
Sydney security commander Paul Mckinnon carries a list of the eleven victims in his pocket.
Since Munich, terrorists have acquired more dangerous weapons.
The bombing at the Atlanta games proved no target is off
limits.
So security planners treat the Sydney games as if they were a prime
target.
Experts here want to send a clear message to terrorists with a show of security and force.
This constant vigilance comes with a huge price-- an estimated $500 million
and some 15,000 police, special forces and personnel from
the three armed services.
We won't need that many people.
Salt Lake will need 3,500 officers and they'll come from all 50 states.
Many departments are sending people just for the training experience.
That number doesn't include private security for heads of state or religious leaders.
